<b>Comparative study of figures for optotypes with children from Brazil and Portugal</b> - doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v9i2.11248

Abstract

For reliable results on visual acuity tests, patients should know the object shown. No test exists that reaches the expected goals for preschool children. This study aimed to identify figures made by children in Portugal and Brazil and compare the characteristics of the elaborated drawings. A comparative and quantitative study was carried out in Brazil in 2003 and in Portugal in 2005, involving 342 preschool children aged 4 and 5. Data collection involved the elaboration of free drawings by the children and analysis and quantitative selection of the drawings. The following pictures frequencies were similar in Brazil and Portugal: a human being; sun; house; tree; flower; doll; cloud and ball. Differences between drawings in both countries were considered significant (p=0.026). In the figures that were repeated, different formats existed for the house, x² = 61.75; and for the tree x² = 18.31. These results strengthen the need to construct regionalized scales.