Awareness and screening for retinopathy of prematurity among paediatricians in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disorder of the retina which occurs in premature babies due to defective vasculogenesis. There are established screening guidelines to enhance its early identification and prompt treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the level of awareness of the screening protocols for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among paediatricians in Nigeria.

METHODS

A questionnaire was administered to paediatricians and residents in paediatrics attending a continuous professional development (CPD) course in Benin City, Nigeria. Information on their knowledge of risk factors, screening guidelines and treatment modalities for ROP was obtained.

RESULTS

There were a total of 48 participants. The mean age of the participants was 34.5 ± 4.5 years of which 25 (52.1%) were females. A majority, 46 (95.8%) knew some risk factors for ROP. Fourteen (29.2%) participants knew the ROP screening guidelines while 10 (20.8%) had partial knowledge of these guidelines. Knowledge on the use of laser as a treatment modality of ROP was shown by 18 (37.5%) participants. The major reason given for not screening for ROP was being unaware of a referral centre in Nigeria in 43 (89.6%) participants.

CONCLUSION

The majority of paediatricians attending a CPD course in Nigeria though aware of retinopathy of prematurity, are currently poorly informed on the management of this condition and the need for screening. There is need to enlighten paediatricians in Nigeria on retinopathy of prematurity in order to prevent this treatable cause of blindness in children.