Knowledge, attitude, and practice among kindergarten teachers regarding vision and eye screening of preschool children

Abstract

PURPOSE To estimate the level and determinants of knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of kindergarten teachers regarding vision and eye screening of preschool children of Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS As a part of a study to evaluate the KAP of stakeholders in the Qassim region, we surveyed kindergarten teachers from July to September 2023. The responses to ten knowledge-related and five attitudes and practices of teachers about eye and vision screening were collected using a graded Likert scale. The KAP score was associated with teacher-related variables. Teachers’ current and desired sources of knowledge were also reviewed. RESULTS We surveyed 60 KG teachers. All were female. The good level of knowledge was in 85% of teachers. The positive attitude and good practices were in 90% of teachers. Teachers’ education levels were not associated with teachers’ knowledge (Kolmogorov–Smirnov [KS] P = 0.456), attitudes (KS P = 0.71), and practice (KS P = 0.06). Social media and computer-based sources provided knowledge on eye and vision screening of children in nearly half of the teachers. More interaction between ophthalmologists and optometrists was desired to learn about the topic. CONCLUSIONS The high awareness, positive attitude, and practices noted among KG teachers in this study are promising and favor their involvement in universal vision and eye screening initiatives in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.

Keywords

• attitude
• awareness
• childhood blindness
• health practices
• kindergarten teachers
• preschool vision screening
• refractive error