Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Saudi Patients Regarding Diabetic Retinopathy: A Multi-Centers Cross-Sectional Survey

Purpose: Diabetes Retinopathy (DR) is one of the fatal causes of permanent and irreversible blindness infection that is prevalent making individuals suffering from diabetic conditions; however, annual medical examination is a critical interventional approach that not only limits the extent of infection but aids in timely formulation of relevant mitigation strategies and control of DR. Common to other healthcare systems in advance economies, the primary care physicians (PCP) are the immediate providers of primary care for diabetes across the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The aim of the present research paper is to assess the current awareness, practices, and knowledge of PCP on DR. Method: The present research adopted a cross-sectional study that covered three cities in three different districts in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, the data collection process of the research study was carried out in Jeddah, Dammam, and Riyadh. A self-administered questionnaire with three different parts was submitted to physicians in the healthcare facilities across the three cities. In addition, the research adopted a convenience sampling approach during which the designated regions were selected due to convenience in proximity as well as accessibility. Primarily, the first section of the questionnaire contained demographic inquiries, the second encapsulated relevant questions regarding diabetes and DR, and the third section examined the physicians' practices relating to diabetes. Results: The research paper considered a sample size of 710 participants. An in-depth and compressive analysis of the results elucidated underlying defects as well as shortfalls on the physicians' awareness, knowledge, and practices on DR. To illustrate, the results demonstrated defects in screening methods as well as referral procedures among physicians. Conclusion: The present research paper elucidated the underlying and fundamental shortfalls as well as defects in the state of awareness, knowledge, and practices of PCP on DR. However, overall, the extent of knowledge, practices, and awareness among the PCP in the three cities were satisfactory. Hence, it is highly recommended that future awareness campaigns, as well as sensitization focus on timely and detailed screening approaches in order to manage diabetic conditions among patients.