Knowledge, attitudes and practice patterns of patients with diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy in an urban eye clinic in Singapore

  • Elin Lee Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
  • Srinivasan Sanjay Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (YLLSoM, NUS), Singapore
  • Tiakumzuk Sangtam Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (OVS), Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Alexandra Health, 90 Yishun Central, Singapore 768828.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35119/asjoo.v14i2.79
Keywords: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Patterns (KAPP), attitudes and practice patterns (KAPP), Diabetes Mellitus, diabetes mellitus, Diabetic Retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, Singapore

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern, the prevalence of which is predicted to increase in the coming years. Consequently, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is expected to rise. Therefore, identification of prevailing knowledge, attitudes and practice patterns (KAPP) of patients to address knowledge gaps and provide preventive education about DM and DR could reduce potentially sight-threatening complications. Our objectives were to assess KAPP of patients with DM and DR, factors influencing KAPP and impact of education on their KAPP.
Methods: A questionnaire based survey among diabetic patients in an eye clinic in Singapore. A response rate of 92.6% was achieved. Participants were administered a set of questions about KAPP on DM and DR before and after educating them about DR.
Results: Knowledge of DM and DR was noted in 57.0% and 29.0% of participants respectively. Good attitude and practice patterns were found in nearly 60% and above of the patients. Participants with more knowledge base had better attitude and practice patterns. Higher educational level, Indian ethnicity and longer duration of DM had a positive influence on KAPP. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) impact of education on KAPP among patients with DM and DR.
Conclusions: The knowledge, attitude and practice patterns among patients were variable. A low proportion of knowledge of DR was noted which increased to almost three times after education. There is a need to actively implement educational strategies among patients with DM and DR.

Published
2015-08-14
How to Cite
Lee, E., Sanjay, S., & Sangtam, T. (2015). Knowledge, attitudes and practice patterns of patients with diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy in an urban eye clinic in Singapore. Asian Journal of Ophthalmology, 14(2), 53-67. https://doi.org/10.35119/asjoo.v14i2.79
Issue
Vol 14 No 2 (2015)
Section
Original Articles

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