Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding prevention of diabetic eye complications among people living with diabetes in Limpopo province of South Africa: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of avoidable vision loss, yet public awareness is low, hindering early detection and treatment. Many people living with diabetes are unaware of their risk for DR and the need for screening.

AIM: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of people living with diabetes regarding DR prevention.

SETTING

Ten primary health care clinics in the Maruleng sub-district in Limpopo province of South Africa.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study utilised a self-reported questionnaire with yes/no questions to measure knowledge and practices, and attitudes were assessed with a 5-point Likert scale. Scores above the median for knowledge, attitudes and practices were indicative of good knowledge and practices and positive attitudes.

RESULTS

Almost two-thirds of participants (n = 255; 65.6%) were female. Approximately 268 participants (61.2%) knew that uncontrolled high blood sugar can lead to DR. The majority (n = 355; 86.1%) showed positive attitudes towards their eye health, while 216 (55.8%) had good practices towards DR prevention. Higher education and duration of diabetes were associated with good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-3.9; p  0.05) and (AOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2-2.9; p  0.05), respectively, while good knowledge about diabetic eye complications was associated with positive attitudes (AOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3-3.1; p  0.05). Patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus for more than five years were more likely to attend regular eye exams (AOR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.5-3.6; p  0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although participants had high median scores for knowledge and attitudes, important deficiencies were noted that could hinder effective DR screening.Contribution: These findings provide the baseline evidence on the need for ongoing patient education in primary care to enhance DR prevention.