DR. MANAVI DEOKRISHNA SINDAL

DR BHOLESH RATNA, DR.ROSHNI MOHAN

Abstract

Purpose- To assess Knowledge, attitude, and practice about diabetes (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods- A pre-validated questionnaire was administered to 360 participants each – Group 1-No DM, Group 2-DM-No DR, Group 3-DR-New, Group 4-DR-On treatment. Results- Knowledge was very poor for DM in Gr1 (93.6%), while for DR Grs 1,2 & 3 had poor knowledge (91-99%). In Gr4 54.7% & 41.6% had good knowledge about DM & DR. Gr 1 & 2 had a positive attitude of 57% for DM, but only 4% & 21% for DR. The attitude in Gr3 & Gr4 was positive in 59% and 66%, and 50% & 71% for DM/DR. Good practice pattern for DM was seen in Gr2-59%, Gr3-48% and Gr4-66%. Good practice for DR was 1% in Gr2 & Gr3, and 50% in Gr4. Conclusion- The KAP scores improve in newly diagnosed DR cases, while those already on treatment show the most positive scores, indicating poor awareness about DM & DR in the general population. Measures to improve awareness of DM & DR can help in reducing disease related morbidity.