Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Diabetic Retinopathy in Pregnant Women With Diabetes Among Antenatal Care Physicians in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, and its progression may accelerate during pregnancy. Antenatal care (ANC) physicians play a critical role in the screening and management of DR in pregnant women. However, limited evidence exists regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), particularly in regions such as Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Objectives The objective of this study is to assess the KAP of ANC physicians in Al-Ahsa regarding DR during pregnancy and to explore associations with demographic and professional characteristics. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among ANC physicians (N = 121) in Al-Ahsa from June 2024 to December 2024. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire developed by the researchers. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: demographics, knowledge (multiple-choice/true-false items), attitudes (Likert scale), and practices (self-reported behaviors). Results Among the 121 participants, the mean age was 34.3 ± 7.4 years, and 92 (76.2%) were female. Overall knowledge of DR during pregnancy was moderate, attitudes were neutral, and practices were suboptimal. Notable gaps were observed in knowledge of appropriate DR screening intervals, along with misconceptions regarding BMI, maternal age, and the use of oral hypoglycemic agents as primary risk factors. Only one-third of participants consistently engaged in patient education or referral practices. Physicians with more experience and specialized training demonstrated greater awareness and better adherence to recommended DR screening protocols. Conclusions ANC physicians in Al-Ahsa exhibited moderate knowledge, neutral attitudes, and inadequate practices regarding DR during pregnancy. Targeted educational initiatives and system-level interventions are essential to improve adherence to DR screening guidelines and reduce the risk of pregnancy-related vision loss.