Knowledge and Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy among Diabetic Sudanese Patients, Khartoum State, Sudan, 2018

Abstract

Background: The level of awareness of diabetic retinopathy is considered an important
factor for early diagnosis and management of diabetic retinopathy. This study aimed
to assess the level of awareness of diabetic retinopathy among patients with diabetes
mellitus in Khartoum, Sudan.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetic patients attending
Zeenam and Abdullah Khalil Diabetic Centers between June and September
2018. A convenience sample of diabetic patients was used. Information on the
sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, patients’ knowledge, compliance
with available treatments, and routine eye examinations was collected using a semistructured
questionnaire. Patients were also asked about the barriers that may interfere
with a regular eye examination.
Results: A total of 200 patients were enrolled and 94 (47%) of them were female; 13% of
the respondents were diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, 31.5% were hypertensive,
and 13.5% had hyperlipidemia. Additionally, 88.5% of the patients were aware that DM
can affect their eyes and 87% had never been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy.
Although around 83% thought that diabetic retinopathy could lead to blindness, only
35.5% of them had undergone fundus examination by ophthalmologists. Moreover,
39% of the participants had irregular diabetes follow-up and 43% monthly follow-up.
Only 31% went for regular eye check-up; however, their compliance with routine retinal
assessment was poor, with a total of 72.5% of participants assuming that they have
good vision and need not get their eyes checked up regularly. The chief factor that
was related to increased awareness of diabetic retinopathy in the study was the level
of education.
Conclusion: Although a large proportion of diabetic patients in Khartoum are aware
that diabetes mellitus can affect their eyes, regular retinal assessment of patients was
poor, thus hindering early diagnosis and management.