Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Pattern regarding Diabetic Retinopathy among the patients of Diabetes Mellitus presenting to a Tertiary Health Care Center in Uttarakhand

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Diabetes Melltius (DM) is an established silent killer in the developed world and is slowly increasing the burden of morbidity in the developing nations as well. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening protocols are not standardized in the developing world and not available to many practioners. Methods: This is an observational analytical study aimed to assess the levels of knowledge, attitude and practice patterns regrading DR among the patients of DM in Uttarakhand. These were correlated with the educational status, socio-economic status, duration of DM, residence and gender. Results: Higher levels of knowledge which were statistically significant were observed as the socioeconomic status rose, with the increase in the duration of DM and with higher levels of educational status. A corresponding positive tone was also seen with respect to attitude and practice. However, the levels of knowledge did not correspond to the levels of practice. Conclusion: Integration of the health services along with the educational system would be an advancing step in spreading awareness about the disease entity itself and its morbid consequences. This would create an environment of high awareness and screening protocols will be easily streamlined.