Knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy in rural population of Karnataka

Purpose: The worldwide prevalence of diabetes mellitus has risen dramatically in the developing countries. Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes, has a significant impact on global health and that may threaten patient’s visual function. There are limited studies on knowledge, attitude and practice on diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy in rural population. Such data are extremely important to plan the public health policies. The aim of the study is to report the KAP (Knowledge, attitude and practice) study of diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy among patients and attendants of patients visiting hospital in rural Karnataka. Practice was evaluated only in diabetic patients. Methods: This observational study was conducted on patients and attendants of patients (n- 200) visiting various out-patient departments of hospital between November 2014 and December 2014. The participants answered questionnaire which included demographic profile, awareness about diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy, attitude towards going for eye examination and practice of diabetes control and management. Result: Of 200 participants, 46 (23%) were diabetic, 172 (86%) heard of diabetes mellitus, 80 (40%) were aware of complications of diabetes mellitus. Among these 172 participants, 62 (36.04%) had heard of diabetic retinopathy and 20 (32.25%) were aware of treatment for diabetic retinopathy. Source of information of complications of diabetes mellitus were medical personnel 47 (58.76%), relatives 31 (38.75%) and media 2(2.5%). Only 38 (61.29%) out of 62 who had heard of diabetic retinopathy had attitude to go for eye examination. 32 (84.21%) participants who had attitude of going for eye examination only when vision is affected. Conclusion: This study reflects the poor knowledge and awareness in rural population. It emphasizes the need for increasing diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy awareness activities in the form of mass campaigns, training anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and paramedical personnel who work at community level in rural areas.