Awareness about retinopathy of prematurity among nurses working at neonatal intensive care unit of nampula central hospital in mozambique, 2021

Abstract

Introduction: Retinopathy of prematurity is a bilateral dysfunction of abnormal retinal vascularization in preterm infants, especially those with very low birth weight. The consequences range from normal vision to blindness. In recent years, the survival rate for the extreme group of patients with prematurity has increased from 8% to 35% in middle-income countries, as well as its early identification of retinal damage and institution of appropriate treatment to prevent blindness and provide children with better overall development. The natural evolution of the disease generates a high social and financial cost for the entire community, since in its more advanced stages it causes severe and irreversible damage to vision, also impairing the entire cognitive and psychomotor development of the affected child. Objective: The aim of the study was to document the awareness about Retinopathy of Prematurity among nurses working at neonatal intensive care unit of Nampula Central Hospital in Mozambique. Methods: A questionnaire was designed on awareness pattern. The questionnaire included questions about nurses education and experience, knowledge of screening guidelines, risk factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity, diagnose and treatment and it was applied to16 nurses working at neonatal intensive care unit of Nampula Central Hospital in Mozambique. It was a self-administered questionnaire, collected in October 2021. Results: The total number of the sample was 16 nurses, 87.5% were female and 12.5% were male. The mean age of study participants was 35.9 ± 7.3 years old. It was observed that the age of respondents shows predominance towards 40 years and above. Regarding the working experience at the neonatal intensive care, 43.75% of participants ranged from 1-4 years. Among the most cited risk factors; indicated professional to perform the eye exam; timing to perform the eye exam and the indicated treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity, the following stand out: Low gestational age (56.25%);Retina Specialist(75.0%); Depends of Gestational Age (56.25%) and Cryotherapy alongside with Laser Photocoagulation and surgery (31.25%). Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that most nurses working in the neonatal Intensive care unit services of Nampula Central Hospital were aware about the prevention, diagnose and treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity. The findings indicate the need for dissemination of information through seminars, workshops and internal educational activities to improve nurses' awareness about the clinical condition.