Knowledge, attitude, and practice around diabetic eye disease among diabetic patients in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia
Hatim Najmi1, Wael Otaif2, Muath Najmi3, Mohammed Basehi4, Mohannad Tobaigy5, Wasan Alsalim6, Mariam Awaji7, Abdulmalik Najmi8
1 Department of Ophthalmology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabi 2 Department of Ophthalmology, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabi 3 Department of Medicine, Armed Forces Hospital, Jazan, Saudi Arabi 4 Department of Emergency Medicine, King Fahad Central Hospital, Jazan, Saudi Arabi 5 Department of Ophthalmology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabi 6 Department of Family medicine, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabi 7 Department of Ophthalmology, Prince Mohammed Bin Nasser Hospital, Jazan, Saudi Arabi 8 Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Central Hospital, Jazan, Saudi Arabi
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Wael Otaif Department of Ophthalmology, King Khalid University, PO Box 960, Abha 62529
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0974-9233.326671
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PURPOSE: This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) around diabetic eye disease in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) attending primary health-care centers (PHCCs) in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.
METHODS: All diabetic patients attending eight PHCCs in Jazan region between December 2018 and December 2019 were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Face-to-face interviews were held to gather responses to a validated 20-item questionnaire.
RESULTS: In total, 293 patients aged 9–90 years (mean 50 years, standard deviation 14 years) agreed to participate, including 189 (64.5%) females and 104 (35.5%) males. Most (n = 251; 85.7%) had type 2 DM, the remainder (42; 14.3%) having type 1 DM. The mean duration of DM was 8.2 ± 6.4 years. Eye complications were self-reported by 114 (38.9%) participants. More than one-third (36.2%) of the participants had never undergone an eye examination. Less than one-third of participants (29% and 28% respectively) had an excellent level of knowledge or practice about diabetic eye disease, and only 12% demonstrated very positive attitude. KAP levels were independently predicted by patients' age, gender, and eye complication status.
CONCLUSION: KAP relating to eye disease and eye care among Saudi patients with DM were less than desired. Rigorous efforts are required to raise awareness of eye complications among diabetic patients.
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