Management Of Diabetic Retinopathy at BIRDEM General Hospital

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent chronic disease. The primary objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about foot care among diabetic patients. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study examined diabetic patients' foot care knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) at the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine, and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study had 132 participants, calculated using sample size for finite populations. A structured questionnaire collected demographic, clinical, and diabetic foot care KAP. Knowledge was assessed with six questions, attitudes with eleven, and practices with eight. Scores were assigned for knowledge (0-3: Poor, 4-6: Good), attitudes (0-4: Negative, >4: Positive), and practices (0-4: Poor, ≥5: Good). Data analysis was conducted in SPSS version 25, with a p-value <0.05 indicating significance. Results: The majority of the sample consists of individuals aged 21-40 years (86.4%), with a significant proportion being married (59.8%) or widowed (24.2%). Most patients have completed primary education (68.2%) and are employed in the private sector (78.8%). Clinically, a large number of patients are overweight (83.3%), and a significant portion have had diabetes for 6-10 years (50.8%). The average fasting glucose level is 10.20±1.79 mmol/L, and the average HbA1c level is 7.85±1.03 mmol/L, indicating suboptimal glycemic control. The study reveals that 67.4% of patients have poor knowledge about diabetes, while 32.6% demonstrate good knowledge. Positive attitudes towards diabetes management are prevalent in 82.6% of patients, and 84.8% exhibit good self-care practices. Age significantly influences knowledge and attitudes but not practices. Marital Status does not significantly affect KAP. Level of Education is significantly associated with knowledge and practices but not attitudes, indicating that higher education levels contribute to better knowledge and self-care practices. Occupation is significantly associated with knowledge and attitudes but not practices, suggesting that employment type influences understanding and perception of diabetes but not necessarily the management behaviors. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the necessity of focused educational interventions to enhance diabetes knowledge and self-care practices, specifically among distinct demographic groups. Improving patients' comprehension and attitudes towards diabetes has the potential to result in improved glycemic control and overall health outcomes.