Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Diabetic Patients on Ocular Complications of Diabetes in Lomé (Togo)

Abstract

Introduction: The frequency and severity of eye complications from diabetes make patient education essential, which is the basis for adequate management. What is the level of education of diabetic patients in Lomé? The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of diabetic patients on the ocular complications of diabetes in Lomé. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study by surveys on diabetic patients from April 1 to June 31, 2020, in 6 diabetes management centers in Lomé. The correct response rate was established for each component. Knowledge: poor (≤ 50%), low (50% -65%), medium (65% -85%) and good (≥ 85%). Attitudes: harmful (≤ 50%), erroneous (50% -65%), approximate (65% -85%) and fair (≥ 85%). Practice: harmful (≤ 50%), inadequate (50% -65%) and adequate (>65%). Results: Over the study period, 150 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 56.98 ± 13.37 years with a sex ratio of 1.1 (79 men/71 women). The overall level of knowledge was insufficient (50.6%) with 65.5% for general knowledge about diabetes and 35.8% for ocular complications of diabetes. Attitudes were approximate (68.7%). In the case of hyperglycemia, 31.3% of patients would confide in a diabetologist and 22.0% in a general practitioner. If decrease in vision, 84.3% of patients would contact the ophthalmologist. The level of practice was harmful (20.4%). For diabetic follow-up, 36.7% of patients have already seen an ophthalmologist, 41.3% have performed a fundus examination, 17.3% retinal angiography, 4% laser retinal photocoagulation and 2.7% intravitreal injection (IVT). An awareness session on the ocular complications of diabetes was followed by 52.7% of patients and 50.7% of patients followed a therapeutic education session. Conclusion: This study has shown