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RMJ. 2019; 44(4): 670-673 Awareness of diabetic retinopathy among diabetes patients visiting DHQ Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal, PakistanRana Aamir Diwan, Hira Iftikhar, Mohammad Saif ul Malook, Abdul Rafay Khalid, Rabia Ahmad, Syeda Aimen Gohar Naqvi. Abstract | | | | Objective: To study the levels of knowledge and awareness of diabetic retinopathy among diabetics visiting Eye OPD of a tertiary care hospital.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at DHQ Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal from February 1, to August 31, 2018. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire from total 102 diabetic patients. Convenience non-probability sampling technique was used. Analysis of data was carried out using SPSS version 18.
Results: Out of 102 patients, 34% (35) were between the age of 2550 years and 66% (67) were above 50 years of age. 69% (70) were illiterate, 39% (40) had normal BMI, 57% (58) were overweight and 4% (4) were obese. Thirty four percent (35) were active and 66% (67) had a sedentary lifestyle. Only 11% (11) of patients had knowledge about the HbA1c test. A total of 62% (63) patients knew that diabetes had an effect on eyes. Forty five percent (46) patients had information about Diabetic Retinopathy and its complications and 55 % (56) were unaware of it. Fifty six percent (57) patients knew that blindness could result due to poor glycemic control. Only 38% (39) diabetics had retinal assessment done which was mainly due to other eye diseases such as cataract. Regarding co-morbidities, 58% (59) patients had hypertension and 29% (30) had nephropathy.
Conclusion: There is a low level of awareness among patients of diabetes regarding risk factors and diabetic retinopathy. There is a dire need for implementation of strategies in order to enhance its awareness and early retinal screening in diabetic patients to minimize its development.
Key words: Awareness, diabetic retinopathy, diabetes mellitus.
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