Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding strabismus among parents whose children have strabismus. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of children with strabismus at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between January and June 2024. A total of 459 parents were recruited using convenience sampling. Demographic information and KAP scores were collected and assessed using a self-designed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using group comparisons, and correlation analyses to assess distributions, differences between groups, and relationships among KAP scores. RESULTS: The study included 459 participants, of whom 247 (53.81%) were male. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 11.80 ± 2.08 (possible range: 0-20), 37.73 ± 3.80 (possible range: 10-50), and 17.34 ± 2.94 (possible range: 5-25), respectively. The attitude scores were significantly influenced by the presence of hyperopia (P = 0.018), astigmatism (P = 0.032), surgical intervention (P = 0.048), and eye patch use (P = 0.024) in their children. In addition, practice scores were notably impacted by the parent's education level (P = 0.015) and whether the child had myopia (P = 0.039). Pearson correlation analyses showed insignificant correlations between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.071, P = 0.131), attitudes and practices (r = 0.043, P = 0.354), and knowledge and practices (r = -0.091, P = 0.052). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, parents of children with strabismus exhibited low levels of knowledge and practices, despite high levels of attitudes towards managing the condition. To address these gaps, targeted educational interventions are essential, to enhance parental understanding of strabismus, including its causes, treatment options, and the importance of follow-up care. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: not applicable.