Knowledge about diabetic retinopathy, eye check-up service utilisation and associated factors among adult diabetic patients at public hospitals of southeastern Ethiopia, 2022.

Objective: The objective of the study is to assess knowledge of diabetic retinopathy, eye check-up service utilisation and associated factors among adult diabetic patients at public hospitals in southeastern Ethiopia in 2022.

Setting: The study was conducted at Ginnir General and Goba Referral Hospital in southeast Ethiopia.

Design: The study was designed as a facility-based cross-sectional study.

Participants: Systematically selected adult diabetic patients were the participants of the study.

Primary Outcome: The primary outcomes are knowledge about diabetic retinopathy and eye check-up service utilisation.

Results: Of the 422 samples, 401 study participants participated with a 95% response rate. 254 (63.3%) (95% CI 58.5, 68%) and 37% (95% CI 32.5, 42%) of the participants had good knowledge of diabetic retinopathy and good uptake of eye check-up service, respectively. Educational status of greater than 12th grade, possession of health insurance and good attitude towards diabetic retinopathy prevention were factors associated with good knowledge about diabetic retinopathy. In addition, urban residence, level of education of >grade 12, having health insurance, good knowledge of diabetic retinopathy and good attitude towards prevention of diabetic retinopathy were significantly associated with good utilisation of eye check-up services.

Conclusions: Compared with the WHO and other recommendations, diabetic patients have low knowledge and utilisation of eye check-up services for diabetic retinopathy.