Awareness of diabetic retinopathy among patients of diabetes visiting DHQ Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal, Pakistan

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 25-50 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.