EVALUATION OF NEWBORN SCREENING PRACTICE AND INTERVENTION FOR OCULAR DISORDERS AMONG UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN AT MZUZU CENTRAL HOSPITAL, MALAWI.

The purpose of this study was to assess new born screening activities for eye diseases and intervention strategies for children under the age of five at Mzuzu central hospital eye department. This cross section study utilized secondary data from Mzuzu central hospital eye department. 400 children with various eye disorders, aged five years and below were included in this study. We used linear regression analysis to evaluate association and prediction between time of intervention and outcome as well presented prevalence of ocular disorders at, Mzuzu central hospital. The prevalence of ocular disease was 49.6% for conditions considered serious and sight threatening. 50.4% of the cases were minor and had no impact on vision. We also found that the age group with most cases was 0-1 years (49.5%) old followed by 2-3years (25.5%) and 4-5 years (25%) respectively. Eye care practices at MCH positively contributed 73% of cases having desirable outcomes while 10% had developed amblyopia as a complication. We found that time, (negative correlation coefficient of -0.364 and P<0.005); was a good predictor of outcome as compared to type (-0.425 (P<0.005), of intervention given. However they both contributed to the prognosis of the condition after treatment. Conclusion. The study found that there are no screening mechanisms put in place for eye care service delivery to under-five children at Mzuzu central hospital. Hence having mechanism put in place is key to identifying and treating conditions in early stages before they significantly affect vision.