To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices about diabetes and diabetic retinopathy among patients diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy: a questionnaire based study.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the knowledge and its influence on attitude and practice in diabetic retinopathy among patients attending a primary health centre. Method: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, B.R. Singh hospital Kolkata, WB, India Jan 2018 to May 2019. A knowledge attitude practice questionnaire was prepared and pretested in a sample group of representative population. The response was analyzed as to whether the questions were understood or not. Social workers were trained in administering questionnaire. Diabetic patients were given questionnaires at primary health centre and filled in the presence of social workers.

Results: Out of 400 patients 60% had no knowledge of diabetic retinopathy compared to 40% who had knowledge (p <0.001). Knowledge was more in age group less than 30 years (84.61%) and least in 40 to 50 age group (32.20%) which was statistically significant with p value <0.001. Knowledge was found to be high among participants with higher educational status than in those who had college level education (79.31%) which was statistically significant with p value <0.001. Patients in the upper socioeconomic group had more knowledge about diabetic retinopathy (84.38%) which was statistically significant with a p value of< 0.001.There was no significant association between duration of diabetes and knowledge of diabetic retinopathy. About 76.25 % of individuals in knowledge group had right attitude which was significantly higher than non knowledge group (45%) with a p value <0.001. Conclusions: The attitude and practice of diabetic retinopathy was statistically significant in knowledge group compared to those who had no knowledge of diabetic retinopathy. Improving knowledge about diabetic retinopathy through awareness campaigns can increase attitude and practice. Early detection can help in preventing sight threatening complications of diabetic retinopathy.

Keywords: Attitude, Diabetic retinopathy, Knowledge, Practice, Primary health centre