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. 2024 Oct 10;16(10):e71219.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.71219. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Awareness, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Diabetic Retinopathy Among Residents of Jazan City, Saudi Arabia

Abdulaziz A Alagsam  1 , Essam A Alhazmi  1 , Osama A Mobarki  2 , Mohammed E Mojiri  2 , Ahmed Y Najmi  2 , Elaf J Zurayyir  2 , Fatimah M Akkam  2 , Reham M Aljudayba  2 , Razan M Jurebi  2 , Remas F Koko  2 , Waad K Najmi  2 , Hani A Al-Ghamdi  3 , Sawsan J Kreet  2 , Renad A Madkhali  2 , Hanen I Alsuri  2
Affiliations

Awareness, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Diabetic Retinopathy Among Residents of Jazan City, Saudi Arabia

Abdulaziz A Alagsam et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background: Eye diseases, particularly diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma, are significant public health challenges globally, affecting quality of life. Diabetic retinopathy, a common diabetes complication, is a leading cause of visual impairment among working-age adults due to chronic hyperglycemia. Despite treatment advances, awareness of this condition remains low, especially in high-risk populations. This study explores the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding eye health among residents of Jazan City, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized an online survey distributed via social media from August 1 to August 30, 2024. Targeting adults aged 18 and older, the survey assessed demographics, knowledge of eye diseases, and awareness of screening practices. After refining through a pilot test and validation by experts, data were collected anonymously via Google Forms (Google, Mountain View, California, United States) and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0 (Released 2020; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States).

Results: A total of 424 participants completed the survey, comprising 236 females (55.7%) and 186 males (43.9%), with the majority aged 18-45 years (n=379, 89.4%). Significant knowledge gaps were evident, as 284 participants (67%) were unaware of diabetic retinopathy, with only 138 (32.5%) recognizing the condition. Awareness of treatability was limited; 261 participants (61.6%) were uncertain about available treatment options. Social media (n=112, 26.4%) and family or friends (n=106, 25%) were the primary sources of information regarding eye health. While most participants believed in the necessity of regular eye examinations, many had not undergone such screenings.

Conclusion: This study reveals critical gaps in knowledge and awareness of eye diseases, particularly diabetic retinopathy, among residents of Jazan City, Saudi Arabia. Although participants generally recognize the importance of eye health, misconceptions about the causes, risk factors, and treatment options for common eye conditions persist. Targeted public health initiatives and educational interventions are essential to enhance awareness and promote proactive eye health behaviors. Improving understanding and access to eye care services can facilitate the early detection and management of eye diseases, ultimately reducing the burden of visual impairment in the community.

Keywords: diabetic retinopathy; eye health; health education; jazan; public awareness; saudi arabia; screening practices; visual impairment.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Research Ethics Committee at Jazan University issued approval 2024. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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