EVALUATION OF BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY: A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY STUDY

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the basic knowledge of doctors about retinopathy of prematurity, dealing mostly with ROP in pediatric and ophthalmology departments.

Study Design: Quantitative, cross sectional study

Place and Duration: Ayub Teaching Hospital Complex, Abbottabad from 1^st April 2022 to 8^th April 2022 (one-week duration)

Material and Methods: After explaining the whole scenario to the participants, a questionnaire was handed over to them which contained different questions regarding ROP. Data response was saved, evaluated and then analyzed in terms of percentages of response. Excel spreadsheets and SPSS v.25.0 were used wherever required.

Results: Total number of participants were 57 out of which 23 (40.35 %) were males and 34 (59.65%) were female. Majority of the doctors were house officers 27 (47.37%) followed by residents 20 (35.09%) and consultants 10 (17.54%). Mostly were from paediatrics department (67%) followed by ophthalmology department (31%). 94% had basic knowledge about ROP. About 48 % were unaware about screening protocols for ROP and 50% were unaware about treatment modalities.

Conclusion: ROP is very ignorable entity especially for doctors working in neonatal ICU. Majority of doctors don’t have proper awareness about disease and need to be trained well in order to prevent and manage the disease by proper and timely referral to ophthalmologist for further planning.