ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the awareness, attitudes, and practices related to retinoblastoma among 400 mothers of children under five years old in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey design, the study targeted a population of 2,050,608 mothers. To select the sample, a multi-stage sampling approach was employed, including systematic, simple random, purposive, and proportionate sampling methods. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed, with 374 (93.5%) validly completed and returned.
Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages were used for demographic information, while means and standard deviations addressed the research questions. Inferential statistics, including one-sample t-tests, were utilized to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level.
The results indicated significant levels of awareness (t=29.730, p=0.001), positive attitudes (t=19.327, p=0.001), and adequate practices (t=22.498, p=0.001) regarding retinoblastoma among the mothers. The study concluded that these mothers are well-informed about the disease, hold favorable attitudes towards monitoring it, and practice appropriate observation measures.
Recommendations include that healthcare workers should consistently provide information about retinoblastoma during antenatal and postnatal visits to maintain and enhance awareness. Additionally, it is suggested that crèche and nursery school administrators implement regular eye examinations and screenings as part of their health services to detect retinoblastoma early, given its prevalence in pre-school-aged children.
