Investigation of disease-related knowledge-attitude-practice in patients with diabetic retinopathy and its influencing factors

Abstract

Objective To explore the knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) level in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and analyze the correlation between these factors and KAP. Methods Totally 318 DR patients were selected using cluster sampling and investigated for their demographic information and KAP from March 2018 to March 2019. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the factors related to KAP. Results The total KAP score of the 315 DR patients was (19.26±5.77) , and their score of DR prevention and control knowledge was (9.37±4.08) , with an accuracy rate of 43.81%. The most common way for DR patients to obtain knowledge is was mobile phone / WeChat / other online channels, followed by communication with patients; the most desired way for DR patients to obtain knowledge was lectures by doctors / nurses, and the DR-related service that they wanted the most was free blood sugar and fundus examination. The DR attitude score was (4.61±1.33) . The positive response rate for glycemic monitoring and control is very important for DR, and all patients must control blood glucose within the normal range was 86.03%, ranking the highest, while the positive response rate for willing to receive psychological guidance was 19.68%, ranking the lowest. The DR behavior score was (5.28±1.96) . The positive response rate for ask family, friends, or medical professionals for help with vision problems was 89.52%, ranking the highest, while the positive rate for able to abide by the principles of diabetes diet on holidays, birthdays, or outing was 34.29%, ranking the lowest. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that there were positive correlations between the course of disease and the total score of KAP (r=0.510, P=0.032) , education levels (r=0.171, P=0.011) and DR prevention knowledge, the average monthly family income (r=0.922, P=0.021) , with or without complications (r=0.671, P=0.027) and DR attitude, and living style (r=0.381, P=0.013) , average monthly household income (r=0.884, P=0.024) and DR behavior. Conclusions The overall level of KAP in DR patients is low, and health education for medical staff needs to be strengthened. KAP is closely related to factors such as age, education, complications, average family income, and living style. KAP in DR patients should be improved through many ways in clinical practice. Key words: Diabetes; Diabetic retinopathy; Knowledge; Attitude; Practice