Awareness in parents of preterm babies screened and counselled for retinopathy of prematurity – A study from rural India

Introduction: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the causes for preventable blindness in preterm babies. An important reason for delay in treatment and, hence, blindness is delayed follow-up, attributed to the lack of cognizance regarding ROP among parents. Methodology: This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted from September 2018 to January 2020 with an aim to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices about ROP among parents of preterm babies. They all had been counselled during previous screening sessions and the questionnaire was administered during the last follow-up for ROP screening. The questionnaire included basic demographic data and questions to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices about ROP. Association between follow-up pattern with knowledge, attitude, economic status, and educational level were analysed. Results: Questionnaire study was conducted on 30 parents of preterm babies. About 83.3% parents were aware that “ROP” is a blinding disease of preterm babies. Twenty-one parents (70%) did not bring their babies for follow-up as per the schedule mentioned in “ROP follow-up card.” Delay in follow-up ranged from 7 to 160 days (median 30 days). Better economic status had statistically significant influence on prompt follow-up. Conclusion: In spite of counselling, sharing educational pamphlets, and having knowledge about blinding complication of ROP, 70% parents did not bring the babies for follow-up on time. Hence, there is a need to strengthen the ROP counselling program.