Parental Awareness of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study
Mehmet Egemen Karatas1, Sumeyra Kele Yesiltas1, Semra Tiryaki Demir1, Gamze Karatas2, Ali Bulbul31Department of Ophthalmology, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye2Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
3Department of Neonatology, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of parents regarding retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its follow-up in a tertiary referral center.
Methods: In this cross-sectional survey conducted at a single ROP center in Turkey from March to August 2025, 608 parents of infants born at <34 weeks' gestation and/or ≤1700 g birth weight, and those of infants with higher gestational age or birth weight who required cardiopulmonary support, completed a validated 15-item questionnaire during their infant’s first ROP examination. A structured questionnaire, including sociodemographic data, knowledge about ROP, its consequences, treatment options, and adherence to follow-up, was administered. Associations between parental education level and ROP awareness were analyzed.
Results: Among 608 parents (59% mothers, 41% fathers; mean age 29.7±3.2 years), only 16.6% recognized that ROP screening differs from a routine eye exam. Overall, 81% were unaware of ROP, and 86% did not know it could cause blindness. Only 14% had received information about ROP, mainly from physicians (63.5%) or the internet (34.1%). While 71% were unsure about treatability and 37% acknowledged the importance of follow-up, 90% reported willingness to attend recommended visits. Higher educational level was significantly associated with ROP awareness (p<0.001), with university-educated parents showing the greatest knowledge (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Parental knowledge regarding ROP examinations was generally found to be low. A higher level of knowledge about ROP was observed among university graduates. Efforts to improve adherence to ROP follow-up should include systematic training programs for healthcare professionals, structured guidance for parents, and the widespread implementation of educational materials. In this context, integrating targeted educational interventions into routine care may contribute to long-term success in ROP management.
Keywords: Childhood blindness, follow-up adherence, health literacy, parental awareness, retinopathy of prematurity
Manuscript Language: English