Knowledge, attitude and practice towards diabetic retinopathy among diabetic adults who visit the diabetic clinic in Mulago hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is a significant cause of preventable blindness (Assem et al., 2020; Burton et al., 2021). DMrelated changes in the retina are caused by damage to the nerves, blood vessels and tissue in the retina. Visual impairment associated with diabetic retinopathy could either be because of the vascular and retinal changes in the fundus especially in the advanced stage of the disease, or due to complications from a method of treatment such as PRP. This study aimed to find out the knowledge, attitude and practice towards diabetic retinopathy among diabetic adults who go to Mulago. This study was a quantitative cross-sectional study carried out at Mulago National Referral Hospital. The study participants were diabetic adults who attended the diabetic clinic, and consent to participating in our study. They were sampled by convenience non-probability sampling. This study revealed significant knowledge gaps among diabetic adults in Uganda, with only 1.9% knowing about diabetic retinopathy. A positive attitude towards diabetic retinopathy was found among 60.2% of participants, and a statistically significant association was discovered between positive attitude and above-average knowledge. However, suboptimal practices were observed, with only 36.7% having controlled blood glucose levels and 52.2% never having had an eye exam since their diabetes diagnosis. Additionally, the study found a lack of awareness about the importance of regular eye exams and the treatability of diabetic retinopathy. The study highlights the urgent need for improved patient education and awareness initiatives to address these gaps and improve diabetes care in Uganda. By increasing knowledge and promoting positive attitudes, healthcare providers can empower patients to take control of their condition, adhere to treatment plans, and prioritise regular eye exams, ultimately reducing the burden of diabetic retinopathy and promoting better health outcomes.