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The Awareness and Knowledge of Retinopathy of Prematurity Among Pediatricians in Saudi Arabia
Bahaaeldin H Abdelhalim1, Abdulmalik Alotaibi1, Naif Alruwais1
1Ophthalmology, Shaqra University, Shaqra, SAU.
Insights
Pediatricians in Saudi Arabia show high awareness of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). However, further education is needed regarding ROP screening indications and referral timing for optimal infant eye care.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of vision loss in premature infants.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent severe visual impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the awareness and knowledge of ROP among pediatricians in Saudi Arabia.
- To identify areas for improvement in ROP management and screening.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia.
- An online questionnaire assessed ROP awareness, knowledge, and related practices among 145 pediatricians.
- Data included demographics, ROP understanding, and facility resources.
Main Results:
- High awareness of ROP was reported by 95.2% of participants.
- Knowledge of ROP stages (84.0%), treatment (92.0%), and precautions (94.3%) was generally good.
- Accurate knowledge regarding fundus examination indications (55.8%) and timing (45.7%) was lower.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians in Saudi Arabia demonstrate good overall awareness and knowledge of ROP.
- There is a need to enhance understanding of ROP screening indications and the appropriate timing for ophthalmologist referral.
Background:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects premature low birth-weight infants with potentially blinding complications. Early diagnosis and treatment for indicated cases are essential to prevent unfavorable effects of the disease.
Objectives:
To determine the awareness and the level of knowledge of ROP among pediatricians in all regions of Saudi Arabia who worked at neonatal intensive care units.
Design And Setting:
This was a cross-sectional study. This study was undertaken in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Materials And Methods:
A semi-self-structured online questionnaire was designed to study the awareness and knowledge of ROP. The questionnaire contained items related to demographic data, participants' level of understanding and knowledge of ROP, and items related to hospital facilities, the availability of a trained ophthalmologist, and the source of knowledge.
Main Outcome Measures:
The awareness and knowledge of ROP among pediatricians of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Sample Size:
The study included 145 pediatricians.
Results:
Awareness of ROP was found in 138 participants (95.2%). Seven participants (4.8%) were not aware of ROP and were excluded from further analysis. Of the participants, 116 (84.0%), 127 (92.0%), and 130 (94.3%) had knowledge about the stages, treatment, and precautions of treatment of ROP, respectively. Of the participants, 77 (55.8%), 63 (45.7%), 113 (81.9%), and 56 (40.6%) gave the correct answer about the indications of fundus examination, exact time of the first fundus examination, place of fundus examination, and minimum number of screening fundus examination for ROP, respectively.
Conclusions:
The awareness and knowledge of ROP among pediatricians of Saudi Arabia is good, but knowledge about the indications and proper time of first referral to an ophthalmologist should be improved.
