Keywords
Children
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How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of childhood eye diseases among paediatricians working
in Kenya.
Methods: The study was carried out among paediatricians working in the various hospitals and clinics in Kenya.
A semi structured questionnaire was distributed to consenting paediatricians for completion. Dependent
variables were knowledge attitude and practice. Independent variables were age, sex, duration and type of
practice. The data was analyzed using STATA. Level of knowledge was grouped according to Bloom’s original
cut-off points into good (>80%), moderate (60-80%) and poor (< 60%).
Results: Out of the 125 paediatricians who responded, 69.6% had a level of knowledge classifiable as poor,
28.0% moderate and 2.4% good. The mean score of participants in this study was 58.20%. However participants
showed varied levels of knowledge in different subject matters. Sixty nine point six per cent of paediatricians carry
out eye examination in children, though this varied with each participant doing only the test they are familiar
with. Their referral of children with eye diseases to an ophthalmologist was found to be generally appropriate.
The attitudes of participants in the various subject areas raised were positive. Ninety nine point two per cent of
participants agreed that eye examination by paediatricians could help with early referral of retinoblastoma.
Conclusion: The participants had poor level of knowledge of childhood eye diseases. However their attitude and
practice was generally positive. Their knowledge could be boosted with regular continuous medical education
on eye diseases.
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