Knowledge of diabetes and its associated ocular manifestations by diabetic patients: A study at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Abstract

Background:Diabetes mellitus is a significant cause of visual impairment, hence adequate knowledge on this condition and its ocular manifestations is of immense importance to diabetic patients.Aim:To assess the knowledge of diabetic patients on the disorder and its ocular manifestations, and their attitude towards ocular examinations.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional survey involving the use of a structured interview was conducted among diabetic patients attending the Diabetic Clinic of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Using Fishers Exact Chi-square (χ2) and Odds Ratios (ORs), data obtained was analyzed.Results:Only 103 (26.4%) patients knew the type of diabetes mellitus they were suffering from. Knowledge on ocular effects of diabetes mellitus was low and only 15 (3.8%) knew that it could affect the ocular refraction with no patient mentioning that diabetes mellitus could cause cataract or diabetic retinopathy. Attitude to routine eye examination was poor. As much as 135 (34.6%) had never had an eye examination since being diagnosed of diabetes. Knowledge of the type of diabetes mellitus the individual had or any ocular complication of this disorder was significantly related (OR: 4.22; P < 0.001 and OR: 2.55; P < 0.001) respectively to their attitude to seeking eye care.Conclusion:Diabetic patients’ knowledge on diabetes mellitus and its ocular manifestations, and the attitude of diabetic patients towards eye examination were poor. Intensive health education by diabetes care givers and leaders of the Ghana Diabetic Association for diabetic patient is therefore required to improve attitude towards eye care to prevent visual impairment.

The Association of Awareness and Knowledge of Diabetic Retinopathy with Age and Residential Area In Selangor

“…Despite higher awareness of diabetic retinopathy that could lead to blindness among diabetic patients in Kano Nigeria, only 15.7% of then ever had an eye check up (Mohammed & Waziri, 2009). It was also demonstrated that some of the diabetes patients had no or lower knowledge with regards to regular eye check up and the frequencies of follow up (Ovenseri-Ogbomo et al, 2013;Shetgar et al, 2015;Thapa et al, 2012). They did not know that eye examination is essential to those who own diabetic.…”

“…The knowledge of diabetic retinopathy was also related with the attitude to seek for an eye check up (Ovenseri-Ogbomo et al, 2013). The age of the patients especially those among 35 to 50 years were associated with the awareness of diabetic retinopathy (Addoor, 2011).…”

“…Only 14% could report the involvement of retina as ocular complications of diabetes. Majority who had knowledge of ocular manifestation was those who had longer duration of diabetes (more than 10 years) (Ovenseri-Ogbomo et al, 2013). Good diabetic control was reported could prevent the retinopathies (Mohammed & Waziri, 2009;Shetgar et al, 2015).…”

“…Good diabetic control was reported could prevent the retinopathies (Mohammed & Waziri, 2009;Shetgar et al, 2015). The respondents informed that they retrieved knowledge of DR mostly from medical personnel such as doctors, physicians, hospital staff, nurses, general practitioners or optometrist (Mohammed & Waziri, 2009;Ovenseri-Ogbomo et al, 2013;Shetgar et al, 2015;Thapa et al, 2015). This was followed by own having DR, family history and the mass media such as television, radio, newspaper or magazine (Shetgar et al, 2015).…”

“…The awareness of ocular manifestation of diabetes in several rural area were 37.1% (rural India), 45.7% (Bagalkot), 49% (Ghana), and 63.3% (Nepal) (Ovenseri-Ogbomo et al, 2013;Rani et al, 2008;Shetgar et al, 2015;Thapa et al, 2012). Majority of the studies was done among diabetes mellitus patients in hospital except for study in rural India which was conducted among public population (Rani et al, 2008).…”