Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding diabetic retinopathy among patients with diabetes in Dongola, Northern State, Sudan, 2022: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a potential complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Both are a significant public health burden globally, affecting millions of people. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice toward DR among patients with diabetes in Dongola, Northern State, Sudan.

Methods: this was a cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted among patients with diabetes attending Al-Jemaih Diabetic Center, from September 2022 to June 2023. The data were collected through face-to-face interview using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 26. Statistical tests like Chi-Square, logistic regression tests were performed to explore association and its strength, considering statistical significance at p≤0.05.

Results: among the 241 patients who participated in the study, about two-third, 63.9% (n=154) being females. About half, 55.2% (n=133) had good DR knowledge, which was significantly associated with urban residence (aOR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.45-4.62; p=0.001). Majority, 79.3% (n=191) reported favorable DR attitude. About two-third, 63.9% (n=154) reported good DR practice. However, only 27.8% (n=67) routinely go for eye check-up. Knowledge was significantly associated with practice (aOR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.13-4.20; p=<0.019). The most common barrier reported hindering regular eye check-up was misconception that the eye check-up is not necessary, 39.4% (n=65).

Conclusion: despite the good knowledge, favorable attitude and good practices, the regular eye check-up practice was significantly low. Urban residence was significantly associated with knowledge. Similarly, knowledge was found to be significantly associated with practice level. The most common barrier to regular eye check-up was the misconception that it is not important.