Abstract:

Introduction: As per Oman government’s health report (2013), Diabetes Mellitus (DM) prevalence in Omani population aged 18 and above was 12.3%. Omani young adult and older population, are at a higher risk of being diabetic and developing diabetic retinopathy (DR). There are limited studies conducted in Al-Batinah region, to evaluate the community’s, DR related awareness and knowledge. Evidences on community’s condition related knowledge can further help in enhancing the eye health care system.

Aim: To evaluate DR related awareness and knowledge, among Al Batinah population in Oman.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study involved 100, randomly selected Omani participants. A self-designed validated questionnaire was used to assess awareness and knowledge of DR, amongst Al-Batinah population. The survey-based responses were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.

Results: All participants have heard of DR. Relative or friend was the most common knowledge (51%) source. 81 % of the study participants were aware that DM leads to ocular complications. 94% participants believed that the eye care visit can be avoided, if DM is under control. Controlled diet was the highly agreed DR prevention strategy among the participants (88%). Agreement on the use of medication, laser and surgery as a part of the treatment, was observed to be 29%, 62%, and 70% respectively.

Conclusion: Awareness about DR, among the participants was high. However, the condition related knowledge variations were observed.

Keywords: Awareness and Knowledge-Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Eye Disease.

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