Assessment of The Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Diabetic Retinopathy Amongst Diabetic Patients in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to diabetic retinopathy screening guidelines among diabetic patients in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey, data were collected from diabetic patients through structured questionnaires, focusing on their awareness of diabetic retinopathy, attitudes towards regular eye screenings, and compliance with recommended screening practices. The results revealed that 55.2% of respondents had heard of diabetic retinopathy, but only 34.3% correctly identified it as an eye condition, with 57.0% aware of the risk of blindness if left untreated. While 69.8% recognized that diabetes could affect their eyes, knowledge about screening frequency was mixed, with 31.4% believing screenings should occur only when experiencing vision problems. In terms of attitudes, 51.1% agreed that regular eye screenings are essential, but a significant proportion remained undecided or disagreed. Furthermore, only 49.4% had undergone an eye screening in the past 12 months, and 52.9% did not regularly attend scheduled screenings. Barriers such as perceived time commitment and affordability were identified, with 40% finding screenings too time-consuming and 41.2% viewing them as unaffordable. Despite these challenges, 68.0% of respondents believed that attending regular eye screenings would improve diabetes management, and 71.5% had received information from healthcare providers about diabetic retinopathy. The study concluded that while awareness and understanding of diabetic retinopathy are moderate, adherence to screening guidelines remains suboptimal. Efforts to improve patient education, address barriers to access, and enhance healthcare provider engagement are crucial for increasing screening compliance and preventing vision complications among diabetic patients in the region.