Abstract:
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a significant cause of visual impairment, hence
adequate knowledge on this condition and its ocular manifestations is of immense
importance to diabetic patients. Aim: To assess the knowledge of diabetic patients on the
disorder and its ocular manifestations, and their attitude towards ocular examinations.
Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional survey involving the use of a structured interview
was conducted among diabetic patients attending the Diabetic Clinic of the Korle‑Bu Teaching
Hospital. Using Fishers Exact Chi‑square (χ2) and Odds Ratios (ORs), data obtained was
analyzed. Results: Only 103 (26.4%) patients knew the type of diabetes mellitus they were
suffering from. Knowledge on ocular effects of diabetes mellitus was low and only 15 (3.8%)
knew that it could affect the ocular refraction with no patient mentioning that diabetes mellitus
could cause cataract or diabetic retinopathy. Attitude to routine eye examination was poor.
As much as 135 (34.6%) had never had an eye examination since being diagnosed of diabetes.
Knowledge of the type of diabetes mellitus the individual had or any ocular complication of
this disorder was significantly related (OR: 4.22; P < 0.001 and OR: 2.55; P < 0.001) respectively
to their attitude to seeking eye care. Conclusion: Diabetic patients’ knowledge on diabetes
mellitus and its ocular manifestations, and the attitude of diabetic patients towards eye
examination were poor. Intensive health education by diabetes care givers and leaders of
the Ghana Diabetic Association for diabetic patient is therefore required to improve attitude
towards eye care to prevent visual impairment.
