Knowledge, Attitude &Practice (KAP) study on Diabetes & its ocular complications among type II diabetic population in a tertiary care center from Southern India

Background: The significance of understanding the ocular manifestations of diabetes mellitus cannot be overstated, as this condition is likely to have a profound impact on vision, making it crucial for patients to be well-informed. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the understanding and behaviours related to ocular health among individuals with Type 2 diabetes attending a tertiary care facility in South India.

Material and methods: This cross-sectional analysis involved 158 diabetic individuals from the outpatient department (OPD) of the institution. A questionnaire was employed to gather data regarding awareness and practices associated with diabetes mellitus, focusing specifically on ocular concerns. A predetermined score was utilized to classify levels of knowledge and practices as inadequate and satisfactory.

Results: Among the 158 individuals surveyed, 64.6% demonstrated awareness of the condition known as diabetes. In response to inquiries regarding possible ocular complications associated with diabetes, 10.8% cited cataracts, while 31.6% identified retinopathy. Additionally, 32.9% acknowledged the risk of infections in the eye, and defective vision was noted by 31.6%. Furthermore, 22.8% recognized glaucoma, Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO), or Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) as potential complications. A total of 22.8% of the participants acknowledged their lack of awareness regarding the eye-related complications associated with diabetes. In terms of attitudes, 56.3% of the participants exhibited a negative perspective concerning eye health related to diabetes. In practical terms, merely 31% participated in optimal preventive measures for overseeing eye health related to diabetes. The correlation between the knowledge score and the practice score was found to be significant (r = 0.862, p = 0.0001).

Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical need for targeted educational approaches aimed at improving patient comprehension and proactive management of diabetic retinopathy and related ocular issues, leading to better clinical outcomes and reduced complications.