KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE REGARDING DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IN A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE CENTRE AMONG DIABETIC POPULATION IN THE FRONTIER REGION OF BIHAR

Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the association between knowledge, attitude, and practice and to identify barriers to compliance with follow-up and treatment regimes. Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, M.G.M. Medical College and L.S.K. Hospital, Kishanganj, Bihar. It was a cross-sectional study. One hundred and thirty patients were enrolled for the study. Knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was formulated [1]. For fundus examination direct ophthalmoscope, indirect ophthalmoscope, slit lamp with 90D lens, and optical coherence tomography were used. Results: In the assessment of knowledge and attitude, 56.92% of participants exhibited good knowledge and a positive attitude, while 43.08% had poor knowledge and a negative attitude regarding diabetic retinopathy (DR). Regarding practice, 43.08% demonstrated good practice, whereas 56.92% showed poor practice. Correlation between knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding DR. Among individuals with good knowledge and positive attitudes, 48 had good practice, while 26 had poor practice. Among individuals with poor knowledge and negative attitudes, eight had good practice, while 48 had poor practice. The statistical analysis reveals a significant correlation between knowledge and practice (Chi-square=33.2572, p<0.0001). Conclusion: A significant correlation between knowledge of diabetes and practice regarding DR is noted. Individuals with better knowledge tend to exhibit better practices related to DR screening and management. There is a notable association between knowledge of DR, attitude toward the condition, and practice regarding DR. Individuals with better knowledge generally tend to have a more positive attitude and thus exhibit better practices toward diabetes and DR management and care.