Awareness, knowledge, and practices related to diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients in primary healthcare centers at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Evaluation of Diabetic Patients' Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy and Its Complications in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. Globally, 382 million people have diabetes mellitus, and 90% of these patients suffer from type 2 diabetes. Saudi Arabia has the second-highest prevalence of diabetes among all Middle Eastern countries. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a significant complication of diabetes; early detection and proper intervention are important for its management and prognosis. Aim This study aims to assess the awareness of diabetic patients of diabetic retinopathy symptoms and complications in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a cross-sectional study in which a convenience sampling technique was implemented for collecting data from all patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria within the timeframe between February 2022 and October 2022 among diabetic patients at the National Guard Health Affairs in the western region. We included both type 1 and type 2 diabetic participants who are older than 18 years of age and have at least one visit to any outpatient ophthalmology clinic. Results This study involved 259 participants. The mean age of the participants is 46.69 (standard deviation {SD}: 15.59). Type 2 was more prevalent among the applicants (58.3%). A total of 242 (93%) participants were aware that diabetes could affect their eyes. Surprisingly, 130 (50.2%) do not know about diabetic retinopathy therapy options. The most significant obstacle to being examined early for ophthalmological diseases among diabetic patients was the deficient knowledge of diabetic retinopathy. Also, a significant statistical relationship was found between the year of diagnosis and the level of awareness regarding eye complications. Conclusion Despite the high level of awareness of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients shown in our study, it did not correspond to a high level of self-awareness on the importance of preventive measures such as annual diabetic retinopathy screening.

Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Healthcare Centers in Madinah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Saudi Arabia is among the highest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions. Various complications of DM can cause problems in the long term. One of the most prevalent microvascular problems and the primary cause of blindness is diabetic retinopathy (DR), and a significant proportion of the population with diabetes eventually develop diabetes retinopathy. Recognizing and understanding DR may be crucial for patients in identifying and averting this complication.  Objectives The objective of this atudy is to assess the awareness of DR among patients with type 2 DM at primary healthcare centers in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.  Methods This cross-sectional study involved a survey of patients with diabetes who attended Madinah primary care clinics between August and September 2023. The study was conducted in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, from May to November 2023.  Results A total of 240 patients participated with a median age of 49.7 years and a gender distribution of 121 (50.4%) men. Overall, less than half of patients had a fair level of knowledge (47.1%) and a good level of knowledge (42.1%) about DR, whereas 10.8% had poor knowledge. Physicians were the primary source of information for patients, followed by the internet, family, and friends. Higher levels of education, diabetes that had been present for a longer period, and regular eye exams were associated with better understanding. This study emphasizes the importance of improving patient knowledge and awareness of DR.  Conclusions We observed a high level of awareness of DR among participants. Furthermore, higher awareness was associated with longer disease duration and compliance with diabetes treatment.

Public awareness about glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To identify the public level of knowledge about the common ophthalmological conditions in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL for relevant literature. We included questionnaire-based cross-sectional studies performed in Saudi Arabia assessing the public awareness and attitude about general knowledge, causes/risk factors, signs/symptoms, disabilities/consequences, and relieving/management measures of the common ophthalmological conditions including glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy (DR). The meta-analysis was performed on outcomes reported in ≥ 2 studies utilizing the random-effects model. Quality assessment was done using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) tool.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review. A total of 72 questions were reported in ≥ 2 studies and were included in the meta-analysis. The total number of participants was 14,408. The meta-analysis estimated that 57.63% (95% confidence interval (CI) 56.87-60.07%), 69.90% (95% CI 67.02-76.07%), and 68.65% (95% CI 65.94-71.23%) of the Saudi public have you ever heard or read about glaucoma, cataract, and DR, respectively. Of the public surveyed in the included studies, 43.68% (95% CI 41.54-45.85%), 55.43% (95% CI 54.03-56.82%), and 63% (95% CI 60.8-65.1%) believed that glaucoma, cataract, and DR could be treated.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review showed that the level of knowledge among the Saudi population about the common ophthalmological conditions was the highest with respect to cataract, followed by DR and glaucoma. The areas of unsatisfactory level of awareness about the common ophthalmological conditions included risk factors, signs/symptoms, complications, and management options. These areas need to be addressed appropriately by future educational interventions.

Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Using Non-Mydriatic Fundus Camera in Primary Health Care Settings - A Multicenter Study from Saudi Arabia

Background

Screening of diabetic retinopathy (DR) using the current digital imaging facilities in a primary health care setting is still in its early stages in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to reduce the risk of vision impairment and blindness among known diabetic people through early identification by general practitioners (GP) in a primary health care setting in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of diabetic retinopathy (DR) detection by general practitioners (GPs) by comparing the agreement of DR assessment between GPs and ophthalmologists' assessment as a gold standard.

Methods

A hospital-based, six-month cross-sectional study was conducted, and the participants were type 2 diabetic adults from the diabetic registries of seven rural PHCs, in Saudi Arabia. After medical examination, the participants were then evaluated by fundus photography using a non-mydriatic fundus camera without medication for mydriasis. Presence or absence of DR was graded by the trained GPs in the PHCs and then compared with the grading of an ophthalmologist which was taken as a reference or a gold standard.

Results

A total of 899 diabetic patients were included, and the mean age of the patients was 64.89 ± 11.01 years. The evaluation by the GPs had a sensitivity of 80.69 [95% CI 74.8-85.4]; specificity of 92.23 [88.7-96.3]; positive predictive value, 74.1 [70.4-77.0]; negative predictive value, 73.34 [70.6-77.9]; and an accuracy of 84.57 [81.8-89.88]. For the consensus of agreement the adjusted kappa coefficient was from 0.74 to 0.92 for the DR.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that trained GPs in rural health centers are able to provide reliable detection results of DR from fundus photographs. The study highlights the need for early DR screening programs in the rural areas of Saudi Arabia to facilitate early identification of the condition and to lessen impact of blindness due to diabetes.

Patient and health care provider knowledge of diabetes and diabetic microvascular complications: a comprehensive literature review

Diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy occur in more than 50% of people with diabetes, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality. Patient understanding of these microvascular complications is essential to ensure early recognition and treatment of these sequalae as well as associated symptoms, yet little is known about patient knowledge of microvascular sequalae. In this comprehensive literature review, we provide an overview of existing knowledge regarding patient knowledge of diabetes, retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. We also discuss health care provider's knowledge of these sequalae given that patients and providers must work together to achieve optimal care. We evaluated 281 articles on patient and provider knowledge of diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy as well as predictors of improved knowledge and screening practices. Results demonstrated that patient and provider knowledge of microvascular sequalae varied widely between studies, which may reflect sociocultural or methodologic differences. Knowledge assessment instruments varied between studies with limited validation data and few studies controlled for confounding. Generally, improved patient knowledge was associated with greater formal education, longer diabetes duration, and higher socioeconomic status. Fewer studies examined provider knowledge of sequalae, yet these studies identified multiple misconceptions regarding appropriate screening practices for microvascular complications and the need to screen patients who are asymptomatic. Further investigations are needed that use well validated measures, control for confounding, and include diverse populations. Such studies will allow identification of patients and providers who would benefit from interventions to improve knowledge of microvascular complications and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

Teleophthalmology in Saudi Arabia

Teleophthalmology is the provision of ophthalmic care using digital medical equipment and telecommunications technology. While teleophthalmology has been practiced since the 1990s, it became a crucial medical service during the COVID-19 pandemic when doctors were required to make diagnoses from a distance. This was certainly the case in Saudi Arabia, a relatively large country with limited medical workforce to meet demands, yet a high prevalence of diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, and cataracts which are considered leading causes of visual impairment. In response to the pandemic, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health issued scientific instruction manuals and guidelines for health-care providers which paved the way for increased use of digital technologies and solutions to mitigate the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. The pandemic served to accelerate the use of virtual ophthalmology in Saudi Arabia with the most common teleophthalmology applications being teleconsultation and disease-specific applications such as diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. Although some challenges relating to implementing teleophthalmology in Saudi Arabia remain, it is felt that there are great opportunities to expand the use of telemedicine in ophthalmology in this country.

An Assessment on the Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy Among Participants Attending the Diabetes Awareness Camp in Saudi Arabia

Aim The objective of this study is to assess the level of awareness of the effect of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy (DR) on the eye among a sample of the Jeddah community. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among those attending a diabetes awareness camp in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in November 2021. Participants were asked to answer questions in a structured questionnaire that was already used in a previous study. Responses were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA). Results A total of 352 participants were included in this study, 184 (52.3%) of them were females. Of the participants, only 74 (21%) had diabetes mellitus (DM). The vast majority (94%) of the participants believed that diabetes could affect the eyes, and 94.3% believed that maintaining the level of blood sugar could maintain the eye and the level of vision. Moreover, 77.3% were aware that diabetes could lead to visual impairment and blindness. Around one-third of the total participants and less than half of the diabetic group were found familiar with DR. Although 96% of diabetic participants reported the need for diabetics to get their eyes checked annually, only 70% did so. Lack of awareness of the effect of diabetes on the retina was the main barrier preventing diabetic groups from getting their eye checked. Conclusion Despite the good level of awareness among the community and diabetics about diabetes and its effect on the eyes, there is less awareness that DR is one of the most dangerous complications that lead to visual impairments. These findings assure the importance to raise awareness of DR among the community and diabetics and increase awareness of the importance of annual eye examinations.

Awareness Regarding Diabetic Retinopathy Among Adult Diabetic Patients in Al Qunfudah District

Background Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem worldwide. Diabetic patients may suffer many complications including diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. Methodology A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among a sample of 251 adult diabetic patients in the Al Qunfudah district. A self-administrated questionnaire was used for data collection and consisted of the following three sections: sociodemographic data, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic retinopathy-related data. Results Out of the 251 participants, 68.5% recognized that diabetes mellitus can cause eye disorders, and 72.5% of the participants knew that regular eye examinations are recommended for diabetic patients. Adequate knowledge score was observed among diabetic patients aged 25-49 years (52.6%), with a university education (53.5%), with a history of diabetes for 10 years and more (60.5%), those on insulin therapy (55.3%), those adherent to their regular treatment (92.1%), and those getting their information from doctors (73.7%). Conclusions Diabetic patients had average knowledge about diabetic retinopathy but little awareness regarding the frequency of regular eye examinations and the physicians who should conduct them. Intensive health education concerning diabetic retinopathy should be conducted for diabetic patients and their caregivers to improve their perception and compliance with eye care and prevent visual damage in the Al Qunfudhah district.

Diabetic Retinopathy and Eye Screening: Diabetic Patients Standpoint, Their Practice, and Barriers; A Cross-Sectional Study

Diabetes mellites (DM) is one of the most common systemic disorders in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a potentially blinding ophthalmic consequence of uncontrolled DM. The early detection of DR leads to an earlier intervention, which might be sight-saving. Our aim in this cross-sectional study is to assess patients' knowledge and practices regarding DR, and to detect the barriers for eye screening and receiving a check-up from an ophthalmologist. The study included 386 diabetic patients. One hundred and thirty-one patients (33.9%) had T1DM and 188 (48.7%) had T2DM. Most of the diabetic patients (73.3%) know that they must have an eye check-up regardless of their blood sugar level. DM was agreed to affect the retina in 80.3% of the patients, 56% of patients agree that DM complications are always symptomatic, and 84.5% know that DM could affect their eyes. The fact that blindness is a complication of diabetic retinopathy was known by 65% of the diabetic patients. A better knowledge was detected among patients older than 50 years of age (54.9%) compared to those aged less than 35 years (40.9%), which was statistically significant (p = 0.030). Additionally, 61.2% of diabetic patients who were university graduates had a significantly better knowledge in comparison to 33.3% of illiterate patients (p = 0.006). Considering the barriers to not getting one's eyes screened earlier, a lack of knowledge was reported by 38.3% of the patients, followed by lack of access to eye care (24.4%). In conclusion, there is a remarkable increase in the awareness of DR among the Saudi population. This awareness might lead to an earlier detection and management of DR.

Knowledge and Awareness of Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy among Patients Seeking Eye Care Services in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

Purpose. To assess the knowledge and awareness of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy among ophthalmic patients in Madang. Materials and Methods. This was a hospital-based study conducted at Madang Provincial Hospital Eye Clinic in Papua New Guinea. The study included all patients who visited the facility during the period of the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the patients’ demographics and their knowledge and awareness about diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Results. A total of 203 (97.6%) patients consented and participated in the study out of 208 patients who were approached. The age of participants ranged from 19 to 78 years with a median (IQR) of 41 (53–29) years. 107 (52.7%) were female participants. A majority of the participants (62.6%) had at least secondary education. A few of the participants (3.9%) had known diabetes, and 134 (66%) had no relatives or friends with diabetes. A total of 145 (71.4%) participants knew that diabetes can affect the eye. Most of the participants (93.6%) checked their eyes only when their vision was affected, 161 (79.3%) agreed that regular eye checks are necessary, and more than half (54.2%) knew that diabetes can lead to blindness. Age, gender, level of education, and whether a participant or participant’s friends and relatives had been diagnosed with diabetes were significantly associated with the knowledge and awareness of participants about diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion. A majority of the participants had good knowledge of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Health education and promotion will also help increase the awareness of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in the country.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Diabetic Retinopathy in an Urban Population in Northeast China

Objective

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of diabetic subjects with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and those without DR (NDR) in an urban community in Northeast China, as well as their risk factors in subjects with DR and NDR.

Methods

A community-based survey involving 1,662 subjects was conducted in Fushun, China, between July 2012 and May 2013. The subjects included diabetics with DR (n = 783) and those NDR (n = 879), and questionnaires were completed to collect information about their sociodemographic and healthcare characteristics. A Chi-square test and multiple logistic analyses were performed to analyze the data.

Results

Among the DR group, 21.88% had a good knowledge of DR, 94.15% had a positive attitude, and 68.07% followed good practice, whereas 20.98% of the NDR group had a good knowledge of DR, 94.18% had a positive attitude, and 66.92% followed good practice. There was no significant difference in the KAP of the two groups of subjects. In the NDR group, a good level of knowledge was associated with a high-level of education (OR = 0.1, 0.2; p < 0.05), a good attitude was associated with retirement (OR = 0.2; p < 0.05), and good practice was associated with being female, having a high-level of education, and the type of treatment (OR = 0.5, 0.4, 2.3, 3.1; p < 0.05). In the DR group, good practice was associated with older age and retirement (OR = 0.6, 0.4; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference between the DR and NDR subjects in the overall levels of KAP, but both groups showed a poor level of knowledge. Age, gender, education, occupation, and type of treatment were the main factors associated with the KAP scores, more risk factors in the NDR group than in the DR group. There is an urgent need for coordinated educational campaigns with a prioritized focus on the northeast region of China, especially NDR group.

Awareness and knowledge of diabetic retinopathy in diabetic patients at a General Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia

Objective

Diabetic retinopathy is an evident complication of diabetes on eye and contributes for significant portion of blindness worldwide. In Ethiopia, data are lacking on awareness and knowledge of diabetic retinopathy in diabetic patients. This study desired to assess knowledge of diabetic retinopathy and it is relating factors among diabetic patients attending at a General Hospital in Ethiopia.

Methods

We have interviewed 306 diabetic patients who were attending at Debre Tabor General Hospital. Binary logistic regression model was used to recognize associated factors to good knowledge of diabetic retinopathy. Adjusted odds ratio was used to show the power of association. A p-value of less than 0.05 was set to determine its statistical significance.

Result

The diabetic patients had a median age of 45 (range = 30) years. From the total diabetic patients, 242 (79.10%) knew that diabetes could affect the eye and 81 (26.50%) were aware of diabetic retinopathy. From those who were informed of diabetic retinopathy, 32 (39.50%) (95% confidence interval = 27.90-51.20) had good knowledge of diabetic retinopathy. High educational status (adjusted odds ratio = 4.08, 95% confidence interval = 1.00-16.50) and non-government employee (adjusted odds ratio = 0.19, 95% confidence interval = 0.05-0.70) were significantly associated with good knowledge of diabetic retinopathy. Physicians and eye doctors were the most frequent source of information for the awareness of diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion

From the total diabetic patients recruited in the study, 39.5% of them obtained information about diabetic retinopathy and the overall knowledge was poor among them. Knowledge of diabetes can affect the eye and it causes blindness was good among majority of the participants. Higher educational status and being a non-government employee were determined to be important predisposing factors of good knowledge. It is also better to involve diabetic educators and counselors in educating diabetic patients on the serious complication of diabetes on eye.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice around Diabetic Eye Disease among Diabetic Patients in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE:

This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) around diabetic eye disease in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) attending primary health-care centers (PHCCs) in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS:

All diabetic patients attending eight PHCCs in Jazan region between December 2018 and December 2019 were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Face-to-face interviews were held to gather responses to a validated 20-item questionnaire.

RESULTS:

In total, 293 patients aged 9–90 years (mean 50 years, standard deviation 14 years) agreed to participate, including 189 (64.5%) females and 104 (35.5%) males. Most (n = 251; 85.7%) had type 2 DM, the remainder (42; 14.3%) having type 1 DM. The mean duration of DM was 8.2 ± 6.4 years. Eye complications were self-reported by 114 (38.9%) participants. More than one-third (36.2%) of the participants had never undergone an eye examination. Less than one-third of participants (29% and 28% respectively) had an excellent level of knowledge or practice about diabetic eye disease, and only 12% demonstrated very positive attitude. KAP levels were independently predicted by patients' age, gender, and eye complication status.

CONCLUSION:

KAP relating to eye disease and eye care among Saudi patients with DM were less than desired. Rigorous efforts are required to raise awareness of eye complications among diabetic patients.

Knowledge of ocular complications of diabetes in community-based people with type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study II

AIMS

To assess knowledge of diabetes-related eye disease in Australians with type 2 diabetes and its associations with diabetic retinopathy (DR), other ocular complications and vision-related quality of life.

METHODS

A random sample from the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II cohort (n = 360) was invited to participate. Knowledge was assessed using 10 multiple-choice questions covering how diabetes affects the eyes, frequency of ophthalmic screening, risk factors, prevention, available treatments, and prognosis. DR was assessed from fundus photographs. Multiple linear regression was used to identify independent associates of the knowledge score (KS).

RESULTS

We included 264 participants (mean ± SD age 72.1 ± 9.2 years, 56.8% male, median [IQR] diabetes duration 15.4 [11.1-22.3] years). The mean ± SD KS out of 10 was 5.3 ± 1.8. Most (67%) participants knew diabetes can affect the eye and lead to blindness. Only 13.6% knew that DR screening intervals depend on risk factors. Those with moderate non-proliferative DR (NPDR) or worse had a better knowledge score (B = 1.37,P = 0.008) after adjusting for age (B = -0.03, P = 0.004) and education beyond primary school (B = 1.75, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall knowledge of diabetes-related ocular complications was suboptimal. Education targeting eye disease may benefit people with type 2 diabetes who are older, less well educated and/or who have no DR/mild NPDR.

Awareness of diabetic retinopathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Introduction:

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a well-known complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and a major cause of vision loss. Increased awareness of DR is crucial for the prevention and early diagnosis of the disease and preservation of vision. The objective of this study is to assess the level of DR awareness in the Qassim region among type 2 diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who visited diabetic clinics between January and March 2019 in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. This study used structured questionnaires to assess awareness and knowledge of DR. The patients were considered to have a good level of DR awareness if they answered more than 60% of the questions correctly.

Results:

A total of 307 patients with type 2 DM, 201 males (65.5%) and 106 females (34.5%), participated in the current study. The results revealed that 63.5% of the participating patients involved in this study had good knowledge about DR; 86% of the patients had knowledge about the correlation between retinopathy and DM, and 89.9% believed that DR can be prevented by good control of diabetes.

Conclusion:

The study showed that about two-thirds of the participants were aware of DR, and most of them had knowledge about the relationship between retinopathy and DM. Younger patients and the group with a higher level of education were found to be more aware of DR. Awareness of DR should be correlated with behavioral practices to improve a patient's compliance in attending annual eye examinations.

Knowledge and practices regarding diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients registered in a chronic disease management system in eastern China

PURPOSE

To investigate the knowledge and practices regarding diabetic retinopathy (DR) among diabetic patients included in a community-based primary health system (CBPHS) in China.

METHODS

Diabetic patients aged 18 years and above registered in the CBPHS in Yueqing city, Zhejiang province were recruited. Information obtained by questionnaire included: demographic and socioeconomic status, knowledge about DR, and ocular and medical history. The primary outcome was whether the participant knew that DM can affect the eyes, defined according to the question: "Do you know diabetes mellitus (DM) can affect eyes? (yes or no)". A knowledge score was calculated based on the responses to seven questions, with 1 point awarded for a correct response and 0 points for an incorrect or uncertain answer.

RESULTS

A total of 1972 diabetic patients were included in the study with an average age of 65.2±10.8 years, 45.7% were male. One thousand two hundred and nineteen patients (61.8%) knew that DM can affect the eyes. Significant differences in age, education, income status, insurance covering eye care, fasting blood glucose, duration of DM, history of hypertension existed between subjects who knew and those who did not know that DM can affect the eyes (P<0.05 for all). The proportion of correct answers to the DR knowledge questions ranged from 33.3% to 61.8%, with an average score of 3.65±2.47. In the multiple regression analysis, the knowledge score was significantly associated with age, education, income, history of hypertension, duration of DM, being told that regular examinations should be performed and concern about vision loss (P <0.01 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge toward DR among DM patients were still low within the chronic disease management system in eastern China. Routine ophthalmic screening, health care promotions, and educational programs should be emphasized and implemented for better DR prevention and management.

Patient Satisfaction Toward a Tele-Retinal Screening Program in Endocrinology Clinics at a Tertiary Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Purpose: Tele-retinal screening programs use a nonmydriatic camera for retinal imaging. These images are reviewed by ophthalmologists, for interpretation and planning of appropriate treatment and follow up. Patient satisfaction is a critical tool to assess the quality of healthcare delivery and to reframe the current screening programs. The aim of this study is to measure satisfaction toward a tele-retinal screening program among diabetics attending endocrinology clinics at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh. 

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included a total of 163 patients recruited while attending tele-retinal screening at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital in Riyadh, during the period between May and August 2019. A self-administrated Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire PSQ18 was used which included demographic data, diabetes history, and seven domains of satisfaction that were measured. 

Results: Some 54% of the respondents were male. The average age was 44.8 years. Some 49.7% had type 2 diabetes. The mean duration of diabetes was 15.3 years. The overall satisfaction level was 80.4%. The highest satisfaction rate was in the interpersonal manner (mean 4.45) while the lowest was in accessibility to an ophthalmologist when a referral was needed (mean 3.01). Some 60% of the participants were concerned it might take a long time to be referred to an ophthalmologist when it is needed. Some 90.1% found it easier to have diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening during routine diabetes follow up. Some 23.9% did not like the idea of only seeing the ophthalmologist when it is necessary and only 9.8% had some doubts of the doctor’s ability to diagnose DR by evaluating retina photos only. No significant association was found between patient’s satisfaction and demographic background or diabetes history.

Conclusion: Patients were found to be highly satisfied with tele-retinal screening program. Mostly the reason of dissatisfaction was found in accessibility to an ophthalmologist when a referral was needed. Therefore, it is important to reassure patients that timely referral for effective intervention is performed and part of the screening policies.

Medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning diabetes-related retinopathy

Context:

Aims:

Methods and Materials:

Results:

Conclusions: