Knowledge, attitude and practices of physicians on diabetic retinopathy

Objectives: The objectives of the study are to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) related to diabetic retinopathy (DR) among physicians managing diabetic patients at a tertiary care hospital in north western region of India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Ajmer, Rajasthan, between January and December 2023. A validated, self-administered 28-item KAP questionnaire was distributed to 280 physicians (general practitioners, residents, consultants in internal medicine and paediatricians). Responses were analysed using the statistical package for the social sciences version 22. Frequencies and percentages were computed; Chi-square test and principal component analysis were applied to assess associations and data reduction. Results: Of 280 participants, 152 (54.3%) were male and 128 (45.7%) female, with a mean age of 37.06 ± 9.96 years. Knowledge scores were excellent in 57.8% for type 1 diabetes referral timing, 87.1% for type 2 diabetes screening and 90.4% regarding dilated fundus examination. However, only 28.2% knew how to use an ophthalmoscope. Most physicians (82.1%) agreed that all diabetic patients should be referred to an ophthalmologist, and 89.6% believed that blindness due to DR can be prevented with early management. Nevertheless, only 64.3% felt fundus examination could be feasibly performed by nonophthalmologists. Practice scores showed that 71.8% did not perform ophthalmoscopy, and referral to ophthalmologists was largely symptom-driven. Conclusion: The study highlights significant knowledge gaps and suboptimal practices among physicians regarding DR, despite positive attitudes toward screening and referral. Training workshops, continuing medical education and provision of ophthalmoscopes in non-ophthalmology settings are needed to improve early detection and prevention of DR in north western region of india.