Pattern of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and its complications amongst school pupils in Jos East local government area of Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: A common chronic allergic eye condition affecting children and young adults worldwide is vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). It is mostly seasonal, and can affect the quality of life of affected children and their parents. This study aimed to determine the pattern of VKC and its possible complications among school pupils in Jos East Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

Methods: A school-based cross-sectional descriptive study using a multistage sampling technique was carried out. A 2X magnifying loupe was used to examine the eyes of the pupils. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20), and frequency, simple percentages, and chi-square were used to compare proportions.

Results: A total of 400 participants were seen during the study. All types of VKC were seen, however, the limbal form was the commonest contributing 45.2% followed by the tarsal form (34.5%), and then the mixed type (20.0%). The pattern of VKC was found not to be significant when compared with age-group and gender of participants. The major complications associated with VKC were keratoconus and cornea scar, while the effect of VKC in the pupils was seen to cause difficulty in reading, difficulty concentrating on homework and other activities, feeling embarrassed, and difficulty playing with friends as effects of VKC on the quality of life of pupils.

Conclusion: The limbal form of VKC was found to be the commonest, while keratoconus and corneal scar were the commonest complications.

Recommendation: Parents need to be educated on this disease condition and the need to reduce its negative impact on a child's quality of life so as to improve school attendance and performance.