Associated factors of myopia in a Portuguese sample of adolescents: Parental history and school-related lifestyle.
Family history of myopia is strongly associated with myopia in adolescents.
Associated factors of myopia in a Portuguese sample of adolescents: Parental history and school-related lifestyle.
This study aimed to investigate the interaction between parental myopia and school-related lifestyle patterns, and myopia in a sample of Portuguese adolescents.
This analysis involved a sample of 874 adolescents (10-18 years).
teens with a myopic parent are far more likely to be nearsighted themselves
The prevalence rate of myopia was 22.5%.
Attending a higher school level (OR=2.20; CI:1.07-4.52; p = 0.032) and schools in urban locations (OR=1.59; CI:1.00-2.50; p = 0.048) showed a significant association.
Regarding lifestyle, regular physical activity (≥ 2 times per week) was associated with odds of myopia (OR=0.47; CI:0.29-0.77; p = 0.003) even after adjustment for parental history of myopia.
Although included in the fully adjusted model, factors such as smartphone use and breastfeeding did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05).
Despite the low population-density environment in this region, myopia prevalence was comparable to that reported in other European studies.
The identified associations suggest that both parental history and school-related lifestyle factors should be considered when interpreting myopia patterns in adolescence.
These findings may help inform school-based strategies aimed at promoting healthier visual and behavioural habits.