Abstract

Background: Squint or strabismus is a disorder in which the eyes do not face the same direction, and is caused by a nerve injury or dysfunction of the muscles that control the eyes. Thereby, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of squint, together with its clinical manifestations and treatment characteristics in children, and its association with socio-economic factors in Sakaka city, Aljouf.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 328 children from four primary schools (two girls schools and two boys schools) in Sakaka. An online questionnaire was distributed consisting of socio-demographic characteristics, history of strabismus, and the treatment used.
Results: Out of the 328 participants, 54.9% were female. The prevalence of strabismus was 21%. Majority had an inward squint (44.9%). There was a significant association between age and prevalence of strabismus (p = 0.027 < 0.05) as a high rate of squint was seen in children between 6 and 7 years old. Another significant relationship was seen between the history of parents with squint and the prevalence of strabismus with highest incidences of squint reported in children whose both parents had a squint.
Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between strabismus prevalence with age and history of parents with squint.

Key words: Squint, strabismus, children, prevalence