AVALIAÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO DOS PEDIATRAS E NEONATOLOGISTAS SOBRE AFECÇÕES OCULARES NA INFÂNCIA.

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the level of knowledge of pediatricians and neonatologists about eye problems in children, their diagnosis and management, using a standardized questionnaire. Methods: A questionnaire with demographic data and questions about ophthalmological knowledge was applied among pediatricians, through the transmission line of the pediatric service of the HC FMRP/USP from January to June 2021. A cross-sectional study was carried out, whose responses were tabulated, and statistical analysis was performed using the Krukal Wallis Test and Fishers Exact Test for comparison between the pre-established groups (pediatric residents, 4 to 9 years, and more than 10 years of practice in pediatrics). Sampling was by convenience. Results: The structured questionnaire was sent to 277 pediatricians. Ninety pediatricians answered the questionnaire and 81.11% were female. As for the time of pediatric practice, 42.22% had more than 10 years. From the 17 questions about ophthalmologic knowledge, correct answers ranged from 6 to 14, and the average score was 58.52%. The questions with the highest error rate were about the management of newborns with ocular discharge and congenital tear obstruction and when a premature child should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. However, no significant differences were found when comparing the correct answers between the groups (p=0.425) Conclusion: The results suggest a deficiency in ophthalmologic knowledge among the pediatricians interviewed; therefore, continuing education and collaboration programs between ophthalmology and pediatrics disciplines should be developed and reinforced to deepen knowledge on these topics.