Diabetic retinopathy: Knowledge, awareness, and practices in primary-care centers in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: With the growing incidence of diabetic-related complications such as retinopathy and the well-understood role of screening and telemedicine around the world in preventing and managing this potentially blinding disease, there comes the importance of awareness toward this silent eye condition. Awareness ideally should be raised both from the patients’ and physicians’ perspectives. This study aims to assess the awareness of primary care physicians (PCPs) towards diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its management. Materials and Methods: A survey considering professional background, knowledge, and practices was distributed electronically to all PCPs in the Kingdom of Bahrain and analyzed using SPSS Vs 21. Results: A total of 83 physicians completed the survey; 81.9% were female and 96.4% were Bahraini. More than 60% of them accurately knew screening guidelines for type 1 and 2 DR. Of the total, 72.5% would refer patients to the ophthalmologist even if asymptomatic, and 97.6% correctly stated that a dilated eye exam is the method of choice most efficient for assessing DR. Nearly 60% knew about the current treatment modalities for DR and 91.3% knew about the presence of a national screening program in the Kingdom. Conclusion: The overall knowledge of DR was good with some potential gaps in information about screening. PCPs could benefit from regular refresher courses for more precise practices on screening and referral of retinopathy.