Knowledge and Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy in People Living with Diabetes Mellitus (PLWD): A Hospital-based Cross-sectional study

Joyce Jiji Mepurathu * and Sumit Grover

Department of Optometry, Sushant University, Erstwhile Ansal University, Gurugram, India.
 
Research Article
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2023, 10(01), 715–724.
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2023.10.1.0808
Publication history: 
Received on 28 August 2023; revised on 07 October 2023; accepted on 10 October 2023
 
Abstract: 
Title: Knowledge and awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy in People Living with Diabetes Mellitus (PLWD): A Hospital-based Cross-sectional study.
Purpose: To assess knowledge and awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) among adults with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) visiting the hospital.
Results: Out of 218 participants about 77.5% were aware that DM could affect the eye. However, only 34.4% were aware that it could cause blindness. About 54 (24.8%) had their HbA1c levels tested regularly while 107 (49.1%) tested only when asked. About 33.5% of the patients were not aware of any of the treatment modalities for DR such as laser photocoagulation, surgery, intravitreal injection. While the rest (66.5%) had heard about at least one of these treatment modalities. 32.6% of patients thought that the control of blood glucose is enough to control DR without any further intervention.
Conclusion: The study concluded that diabetes, as a global epidemic, requires attention from patients and health care professionals. Furthermore, the survey found that the majority of people with diabetes are fully aware of the need of eye screening and the fact that diabetes can affect the eye, but had little knowledge of diabetic retinopathy and its effects. To reduce visual impairment caused by diabetes, it is vital to increase community awareness about diabetic retinopathy and the necessity of retinal screening. It is necessary to conduct awareness programs aimed primarily at rural populations. Screening services should be improved at the community health centre level as well.
 
Keywords: 
People Living with Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Retinopathy; Knowledge; Awareness
 
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