European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Magnitude of blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy is increasing. The present study was conducted to assess knowledge, awareness and practices amongst patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Materials & Methods: 86 diabetic patients of both genders were selected and subjected to a questionnaire comprising of occupation, socioeconomic status, educational status, details of diabetes mellitus like duration, family history of diabetes etc
Results: Out of 86 patients, males were 50 and females were 36. Socio economic status was upper in 21, middle in 40 and lower in 25 cases. Educational status was uneducated in 20, high school in 36 and graduate in 30 cases. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). SES was upper in 9 in knowledge group and 12 in non- knowledge group, middle in 16 and 24 and lower in 10 and 15 in knowledge group and 12 in non- knowledge group respectively. Education level was uneducated in 7 and 13, upto high school in 12 and 24 and upto graduate level in 11 and 19 in knowledge group and 12 in non- knowledge group respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). 26 in knowledge group and 20 in non- knowledge group had right attitude. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). 21 in knowledge group and 24 in non- knowledge group had practice of visiting ophthalmologist for eye check up. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05).
Conclusion: The attitude and practice pattern of diabetic retinopathy was statistically significant in knowledge group compared to those who had no knowledge of diabetic retinopathy.