The knowledge of postpartum women about the Red Reflex Test in a secondary hospital in the Federal District

Abstract

Introduction: it is known that around 80% of the causes of childhood blindness could be prevented or treated. The Red Reflex Test (RRT), popularly known as the eye test, is part of eye health strategies to prevent blindness. It is a simple, quick, painless, inexpensive and extremely important test for screening ophthalmologicaldiseases that cause obstruction of the visual axis. Objectives: this article aims to evaluate the knowledge of postpartum women about the test and publicize the importance of carrying out the exam in maternity wards, as well as in the child’s routine consultations. Methodology: this is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The information for analysis was obtained through a semistructured questionnaire, which was divided into sociodemographic characterization and general knowledge about the eye test and other neonatal screening tests as a comparative form. The results point to an important gap in knowledge among postpartum women about the eye test and the need to implement informative and awareness-raising strategies, both in the hospital environment and in the community in general.