Current status of myopia and some related factors of first-year medical students of Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 2024
Abstract
Objective: To describe the prevalence of myopia and identify associated factors among first-year General Medicine students at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 2024. Methods: A total of 570 first-year General Medicine students (cohort K46) who provided informed consent participated in a cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical components conducted from October 2024 to April 2025. A descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical components. Results: Among the 570 participants, 444 students were diagnosed with myopia, accounting for 77.9%. Of these, 217 male students (72.8%) and 227 female students (83.5%) were myopic. Myopia was bilateral in 433 students (97.5%), while 8 students had myopia only in the right eye and 3 only in the left eye. High myopia (greater than 3 diopters) was the most prevalent severity level in both eyes, comprising over 37% of cases. The participants were of similar age, with the majority having been diagnosed with myopia at the ages of 12, 15, 16, or 17 years. Statistical analysis revealed that female students had a significantly higher likelihood of developing myopia compared to male students (OR = 1.88, p < 0.05). Students with a family history of myopia were more likely to be myopic than those without (OR = 3.3, p < 0.05). Additionally, regular use of eye supplements or protective products was associated with an increased risk of myopia (OR = 1.536, p < 0.05). No statistically significant associations were found between myopia and other investigated factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of myopia among first-year General Medicine students at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 2024 was 77.9%. Statistically significant factors associated with myopia included gender, family history of myopia, and the regular use of eye-related supplements or protective products (p < 0.05). Other examined factors showed no significant associations