Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Diabetic Retinopathy Management among Patients in Riyadh

Authors

Ferial M Zeried, Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Ilesha, Saudi ArabiaFollow
Lulwah Mesfer Al-haqbani, Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Ilesha, Saudi ArabiaFollow
Anayochukwu Edward Anyasodor, Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800 AustraliaFollow
Ezinne Ngozika, Bathurst Rural Clinical School, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Bathurst NSW 2795 Australia
Uchechukwu L Osuagwu, Bathurst Rural Clinical School, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Bathurst NSW 2795 AustraliaFollow

Abstract

Aim: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of preventable vision loss. Understanding patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward DR screening and management is critical for designing effective interventions. This study aimed to assess the KAP of individuals with diabetes regarding DR in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 535 Saudi adults with diabetes between January and April 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and KAP levels. Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) was performed to identify sociodemographic and clinical predictors of high KAP, with adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) reported.

Results: Of the 535 participants, 51.3% were male, with a mean age of 39.5 ± 17.2 years, and most had attained at least university-level education (85.4%). Overall, 59.3% demonstrated adequate knowledge of DR. However, poor attitudes (59.3%) and inadequate practices (73.5%) toward DR screening and management were observed. MLR analysis indicated that a history of diabetic nephropathy was positively associated with higher knowledge (OR 2.26, 95% CI 0.80–5.21) and attitude scores (OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.82–3.14). A history of congenital retinal defect was associated with higher practice scores (OR 2.30, 95% CI 0.88–6.04).

Conclusion: Despite relatively good knowledge of DR, participants exhibited poor attitudes and practices regarding DR screening and management. These findings underscore the pressing need for culturally tailored health promotion programs in Saudi Arabia to enhance diabetes-related eye care behaviors and alleviatea the burden of visual impairment.

Recommended Citation

Zeried, Ferial M; Al-haqbani, Lulwah Mesfer; Anyasodor, Anayochukwu Edward; Ngozika, Ezinne; and Osuagwu, Uchechukwu L (2026) "Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Diabetic Retinopathy Management among Patients in Riyadh," University of Bisha Journal for Basic and Applied Sciences: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://ubjbas.ub.edu.sa/home/vol2/iss1/2