A Cross-Sectional Kap Study on Diabetic Retinopathy and its Treatment Among Diabetic Mellitus Patients

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and is the leading cause of visual loss in the elderly. Hyperglycaemia and altered metabolic pathways lead to oxidative stress and the development of neurodegeneration in the initial stage of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains a leading cause of vision loss among adults with diabetes, necessitating a multifaceted approach to management. Current treatment strategies are tailored to disease severity and include strict metabolic control, intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, corticosteroid implants, laser photocoagulation, and surgical interventions such as vitrectomy for advanced cases. Despite availability of effective screening and treatment, patients often present late due to poor awareness and practices. Effective prevention relies heavily on patient awareness and adherence to regular ophthalmological screening, making the assessment of patient knowledge, attitudes, and practices a critical step in identifying barriers to care. This study aimed to assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) concerning diabetic retinopathy among a cohort of diabetic patients to identify gaps in patient education and preventative care, among diabetes mellitus outpatients at a primary health centre. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 diabetic individuals (71.3% rural, 81.1% Type 2 diabetes). The results revealed significant knowledge deficits: only 42.5% of respondents had heard of DR, and a mere 26.8% could identify its correct cause. A majority (71.3%) were unaware that DR could be prevented or treated. Despite this, attitudes were largely positive, with 81.9% agreeing that DR is a serious complication and over 85% acknowledging the importance of early detection. A striking attitude-practice gap was identified; while most endorsed the need for annual eye exams, 70.1% had never undergone a retinal screening (fundus examination), and 66.5% reported never visiting an eye doctor. This poor adherence to eye care contrasts sharply with high self-reported adherence to daily diabetes. Management, such as regular blood sugar monitoring (88.2%). Furthermore, 72.8% of participants reported never having received counseling on DR from a healthcare professional, suggesting a critical lapse in patient education.