{
  "abstract": "Introduction Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of blindness and visual impairment in preterm infants globally, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. ROP is associated with prematurity, and with the increase in the survival of preterm infants, its global burden continues to rise. However, there is limited information available on health workers’ perspectives regarding ROP in Uganda.Methods This qualitative study explored health workers’ experiences regarding ROP in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. This study involved in-depth interviews with eight health workers working in the NICU. We examined individual, facility and national factors that could impact the health workers’ perspectives on ROP at the hospital. The data obtained were transcribed and coded, and themes were generated for further analysis.Results We identified key barriers and facilitators to effective ROP care. Four major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Knowledge and awareness of ROP, (2) Challenges and limitations in implementing the ROP screening programme, (3) Training and guidelines for ROP screening and treatment and (4) Recommendations for ROP prevention screening and management. ROP awareness, knowledge of ROP and witchcraft and ROP were identified as specific subthemes under the knowledge and awareness of ROP theme.Discussion and conclusion This study reveals significant gaps in health workers’ knowledge and awareness of ROP. Limited access to essential equipment and specialised personnel may further limit ROP screening capacity. We suggest implementing a multidisciplinary team approach, continuous professional development and establishing national ROP guidelines. We recommend developing a formal training structure and syllabus for ROP screening. The training can enhance task shifting among health workers in areas without specialised health workers. Addressing the identified barriers is crucial for improving the care and outcomes for preterm infants in Uganda and similar settings.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda",
        "Research Department, Ubora Foundation Africa, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Innocent Ayesiga"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Medical Retina, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK",
        "Department of Research, Eye Health Africa CIC, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Primrose Magala"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Tom Didimus Ediamu"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Medical Retina, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK",
        "Department of Research, Eye Health Africa CIC, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Hana El Diwany"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Medical Retina, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Ian LY Yeung"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Republic of Uganda Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Alex Wasomoka"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Research, Uganda UK Health Alliance, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Henry Muwonge"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Research, Uganda UK Health Alliance, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Phillip Musoke"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Research Department, Ubora Foundation Africa, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Elias Musiime"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Research Department, Ubora Foundation Africa, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Abraham Tumwesigye"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Center for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India",
        "Department of Biochemistry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, South West, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Pius Atwau"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Research Department, Ubora Foundation Africa, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Noreen Atwijukire"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Research Department, Ubora Foundation Africa, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Iddi Ndyabawe"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Ophthalmology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Anne Mpaire Musika"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of pediatric ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Himanshu I Patel"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Aeesha NJ Malik"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Ibrahim Bwaga"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Research, Global Health Partnerships (formerly Tropical Health and Education Trust), Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Sheba Gitta Nakacubo"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Do neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) health workers know about retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)? A qualitative study at a Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda",
  "uid": "d7b5a55a-4232-59dc-b2f4-3feb48c44f68"
}