Assessment of the Knowledge of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in a Cohort of Nurses in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of childhood blindness that can be prevented by early detection and treatment. Nurses and midwives are important stakeholders in neonatal services who can help increase awareness to ensure early detection, thereby reducing the risk of blindness.

Objectives: To determine the knowledge of a cohort of nurses in Ogun state about ROP and ROP screening.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses and midwives in Ogun State, Nigeria. A self-administered structured Google form (questionnaire) was used to obtain information on their knowledge and practice concerning ROP in their centres.

Results: A total of 117 nurses participated in the study. These comprised 93.2% females, and the mean age was 38.5±3.5years. The majority of the participants were within the 41-50 years age group. A total of 70.9% had ever worked in a neonatal unit. Ninety-seven (82.9%) were aware of ROP, of which 76.1% could correctly define the condition. Sixty-nine per cent had a good knowledge score for ROP, while there was a poor knowledge score for screening in 62.4%.

Conclusion:  Though the participants had good knowledge about ROP, their knowledge of screening for early detection was poor. There is a need for intense dissemination of information on ROP, especially the need for screening of newborn infants among nurses and midwives.