KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVEL OF DIABETIC PATIENTS REGARDING DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IN SAUDI ARABIA

Authors

  • Talal Althomali, Rahaf Hussain A Al Wadai, Taif Ahmed AlRajhi, AHMED HOMOUD O ALJABRY, Lina Saeed Al wadie, Khaled Naif Alotaibi Sadeem Abdulhkeem Al Hamdan, Nujud Abdullah Al Zahrani, Abdullah AlTalaq, Sara Mohammed Shannaq, Nasser Saleh Nasser Al Hyder, Khames T. Alzahrani Author

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) A silent epidemic has ascended in both developed and underdeveloped regions of the world. It causes damage to different organs and body tissue, such as the heart, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. One of the most common consequences of diabetes mellitus (DM) is diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is caused by damage to the retina's small blood vessels and neurons. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy has significantly increased worldwide. Several studies conducted in different countries, including Saudi Arabia, highlight diabetic patients' knowledge and awareness toward diabetic retinopathy.

Objective: The study set out to assess knowledge and awareness level of diabetic Retinopathy among Diabetic patients in KSA.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia targeting Saudis adult with diabetes between July 2024 - December 2024. The inclusion all diabetic Saudi patient, both males and females, aged 18 and more. Excluded are non-diabetic Saudi patient aged less than 18. A pre-designed, valid questionnaire from a previously published study done in Tabuk was employed for data collection.

Results: The study assessed the knowledge and awareness of diabetic patients regarding diabetic retinopathy in Saudi Arabia, involving 685 participants with a mean age of 32.2 years, predominantly female (65.4%). Alarmingly, 70.7% did not engage in regular exercise, despite 81.5% believing they managed their blood sugar well. A significant finding was that 64.1% lacked awareness of the importance of routine eye exams, although 88% recognized the link between diabetes and retinopathy. Notably, only 12.8% demonstrated strong knowledge about diabetic retinopathy, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced educational initiatives to improve understanding and promote early detection among patients.

Conclusion: The present study highlights the critical need for enhanced educational initiatives and targeted interventions to improve the knowledge and awareness of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia.

Downloads

Published

2025-01-12

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVEL OF DIABETIC PATIENTS REGARDING DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IN SAUDI ARABIA. (2025). CAHIERS MAGELLANES-NS, 101-112. https://magellanes.com/index.php/CMN/article/view/1207