KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF PATIENTS REGARDING DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Abstract

Objective: To describe the levels of knowledge and attitudes about diabetic retinopathy among patients with diabetes mellitus and to identify factors associated with knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 183 patients with diabetes. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that had been translated, culturally adapted, and reliability-tested. Knowledge was classified as good when patients scored ≥5 out of 8 points, and attitudes were considered positive when scoring ≥3 out of 4 points. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with knowledge, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 78.1% of participants demonstrated good knowledge, while 32.8% exhibited positive attitudes toward diabetic retinopathy. Regression analysis showed that the educational level of intermediate or higher and a positive attitude were significantly associated with good knowledge (OR = 3.64, p = 0.020; OR = 2.56, p = 0.013, respectively). In contrast, older age (OR = 0.97; p = 0.041), higher blood glucose levels (OR = 0.91; p = 0.026), and longer duration of diabetes (OR = 0.95; p = 0.032) were negatively associated with good knowledge. Gender and duration of DR diagnosis were not significantly related to knowledge. Conclusion: Most patients had good knowledge of diabetic retinopathy, although positive attitudes remained limited. Age, level of education, duration of diabetes, glycemic control, and attitude were significantly associated with patients’ knowledge. Health education initiatives should prioritize older adults and individuals with lower educational levels.