Awareness of retinopathy of prematurity among pediatricians in a tier two city of South India

PURPOSE: To analyze the level of awareness and knowledge about retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among pediatricians in Coimbatore, which is a tier two city in South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was framed on the knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) pattern. The questionnaire was given to 83 practicing pediatricians in government and private practice in Coimbatore and collected in person between November and December 2009. Answers were obtained on criteria like knowledge, prevention, screening, treatment and awareness of ROP. RESULTS: Only 54 (65.1%) pediatricians were aware of ROP, while 29 (34.9%) were not aware of the disease. Thirty-three (39.8%) answered that ROP is preventable, while 24 (28.9%) responded that ROP is not preventable. Thirty-four (41%) pediatricians had no idea as to which part of the eye is affected in ROP, while 38 (45.8%) did not know when ROP screening should be started. Only 43 (51.8%) pediatricians were sure that ROP is treatable. Pediatricians in private hospitals were more aware of ROP compared to their counterparts in government hospitals (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Awareness among pediatricians in Coimbatore about ROP is poor. Our study emphasizes the need to increase awareness of this avoidable cause of blindness.