Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Orthokeratology for Myopia Control Among Parents of Orthokeratology-Wearing Children.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of parents whose children wear orthokeratology lenses.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Ophthalmology Department at Beijing Hui People's Hospital from November 8 to 30, in 2024. Demographic data, along with KAP scores, were collected through a self-designed and expert-validated questionnaire administered to parents of children wearing orthokeratology lenses.

RESULTS

A total of 499 valid questionnaires were included in the final analysis, with 426 (85.37%) participants being mothers. The mean duration of myopia in the children was 3.35 ± 2.05 years, while the mean duration of orthokeratology lens use was 2.68 ± 1.74 years. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 7.89 ± 1.44 (range: 0-11), 41.95 ± 3.06 (range: 10-50), and 32.68 ± 3.46 (range: 8-40), respectively. Structural equation modeling (SEM) demonstrated significant direct effects of knowledge on both attitude (β = 0.370, P = 0.004) and practice (β = 1.623, P < 0.001), as well as a significant effect of attitude on practice (β = 0.622, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Parents of children using orthokeratology lenses generally exhibited adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practices related to lens care. These findings suggest that strengthening parental education-especially among those without a medical background-may be a viable strategy to enhance orthokeratology care and support children's visual health.