Awareness of diabectic retinopathy among diabetics in urban population of Hyderabad, South India

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a significant public health burden in India. Focus on Diabetes and its complications is important to prevent mortality and morbidity due to this disease. Lack of awareness is one of the main barrier for detection of DM and its complications. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common complication of DM which causes of blindness and visual impairment. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge and attitude of diabetic patients towards eye care and DR in urban south Indian population.Cross-sectional study was done on 537 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. All patients underwent complete ocular examination including visual acuity, anterior segment and fundus examination using slit-lamp biomicroscope by attending Ophthalmologist. They were administered questionnaire to test their knowledge and attitude. Their answers were documented. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (IBM).Out of 537 patients (50.9%) patients knew that there was relationship between Diabetes and Retinopathy while (49.1%) patients were not aware of. 60.4% of patients were of the opinion that there was no need of regular screening if vision in both eyes are good and 39.6% of patients were of the opinion that they should undergo a routine ophthalmology screening every year despite of good vision in both the eyes. 69.6% of patients said that good control of DM might prevent DR. The level of knowledge of DR was found to be significantly associated with patients’ educational level (p=0.038). Patients with relatively higher educational level were more aware of DR occurring as a consequence of diabetes. Patients with longer duration of Diabetes had more knowledge on DR (p=0.001).In our study there was an association between educational qualification and knowledge regarding Diabetic retinopathy. (p value=0.04). This stresses on the importance of health education amongst rural and illiterate population.