Knowledge and Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy among Diabetic Patients, in Sana’a City, Yemen

Al-Eryani SA1, Al-Shamahi EY1, Al-Shamahi EM1 and Al-Shamahy HA2,3*

1Department of Ophthalmology, Sana’a University, Yemen
2Department of Basic Sciences, Sana’a University, Yemen
3Department of Medical Microbiology, Genius University for Sciences & Technology, Yemen

^*Correspondance to: Hassan A Al-Shamahy 

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Abstract:

Background and Aims: One of the main causes of blindness is Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). A third or more of people with Diabetes (DM) might developed DR. As a result, the purpose of this study was to evaluate adult diabetic patients' knowledge about diabetes retinopathy and its complications in Sana'a, Yemen. On this foundation, we also suggest using a public health strategy to combat DR in the research area. Methods: At the Al-Kuwait University Hospital and the National Center of Public Health Sana'a (NCPHL), a cross-sectional study was conducted. After receiving informed consent, responses from 885 people (men and women) with DM were gathered using a validated questionnaire. The goal of the questionnaire was to measure respondents' level of knowledge with DR, its detection, prevention, and treatment. The results of the questionnaire were then used to see whether there was a correlation between the individuals' characters and their level of DR awareness. Results: About 59% of the respondents have heard about DR. 46% of them correctly defined DR as one of the complications of DM that could cause blindness, whereas 208 (23.5%) knew that DR is related to damage to retinal vessels and 186 (21%) to high blood sugar due to uncontrolled diabetes. 285 (32.2%) had a good level of knowledge, while 67.8% showed a poor level of knowledge of DR. There was a better level of knowledge with male patients (37.3% vs. 27.1% for females), younger age (18-30 years) (42.2%, OR=1.5, p=0.03), and college graduate patients (75.7%, OR=11.2, p=0.0001). Older than 50 years old, widowed, divorced, and illiterate and those who attained high school education or less, showed poor levels of knowledge equal to 73%, 79.3%, 83.3%, 93.7%, and 74%, respectively, with significant p=0.05. Conclusion: In this study, most patients indicated insufficient levels of awareness regarding DR. This lack of proper understanding was connected with low levels of education, female sex, and older ages. Additionally, there was a lack of compliance with routine eye inspections. These findings are of major concern; hence, the implementation of efforts to enhance the knowledge of DR and the significance of early retinal screening among affected patients is very vital. Health education campaigns should engage schools, as a portion of the community may not be able to acquire a higher education. Additionally, a comprehensive strategy of mandated referrals to ophthalmologists should be introduced by general practitioners throughout Yemen. Eventually, screening methods for DR ought to be adopted.

Keywords:

Blindness; Diabetic Retinopathy (DR); Diabetes Mellitus (DM); Knowledge

Cite the Article:

Al-Eryani SA, Al-Shamahi EY, Al- Shamahi EM, Al-Shamahy HA. Knowledge and Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy among Diabetic Patients, in Sana’a City, Yemen. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2023; 8: 2441..