Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Patterns Regarding Diabetic Retinopathy: a Cross-Sectional Study on Delayed Presentation at a Tertiary Care Facility in Bangalore

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the specific reasons for delayed clinical presentation among patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to evaluate their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) patterns regarding diabetes mellitus (DM) and its ocular complications.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at MVJ Medical College, Bangalore, using a validated 56-point questionnaire administered to 120 patients diagnosed with DR.

Results: The cohort had a mean age of 51.4 ± 8.2 years, with a significant majority (72%) having lived with DM for over five years. While 47.5% demonstrated adequate knowledge of DM, only 9.2% understood the specifics of DR. The primary driver for delayed presentation was the absence of visual symptoms (68.3%).

Conclusion: There is a critical gap between systemic disease awareness and ocular complication knowledge. Strengthening physician-led counseling and routine screening is essential to reduce avoidable blindness.