University Of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Research Articles

Pentazocine Abuse in Two Siblings with Sickle Cell Anaemia

Vaso-occlusive crisis is a common clinical manifestation in children with sickle cell anaemia, frequently warranting in-patient management with intravenous fluids, analgesics and occasionally anti-malaria and antibiotics. Pain is the principal symptom of vaso-occlusive crisis and it can affect any part of the body. Pentazocine is a well-known opioid analgesic, commonly used in the treatment of painful crisis in children affected by sickle cell anaemia. It was discovered in the 1950s and was initially thought to be addiction—proof, but this has been disproved over the years by reports of pentazocine dependence/addiction especially in patients living with chronic pain. There have been some case reports of pentazocine abuse/dependence among sickle cell disease patients in the literature, most of which are from Nigeria but none involved joint addiction by siblings. We therefore, report the case of two siblings, known sickle cell anaemia (HbSS) patients, referred to our emergency paediatric unit with history of recurrent painful crisis over a 10-month period leading to abuse of pentazocine. They were jointly managed successfully by the paediatric hematology and the pain and palliative units of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and helped to overcome their abuse and addiction.

Prevalence of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency among Steady-State Sickle Cell Disease Children at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin

Background: Both glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and sickle cell disease (SCD) are prevalent in malaria-endemic regions. Controversy however persists as to whether G6PD deficiency is commoner in SCD subjects compared with the general population. Co-existence of the enzyme-deficient state with a chronic haemolytic disorder, like SCD, could potentially predispose to fatal haemolytic episodes. There is however a dearth of paediatric studies on this subject. Aims and Objectives: To determine the prevalence and demographic determinants of G6PD deficiency in children with SCD. Methods: Red cell G6PD activity was determined in 115 steady-state sickle cell disease children aged 0.5 - 17 years, in steady state and equal number of age & gender-matched non-SCD controls using the quantitative method. A measured G6PD activity of <6.97 U/gHb defined G6PD deficiency while values ≥6.97 U/gHb were regarded as normal. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Statistical analyses done include chi-square, student t-test and ANOVA. For all statistical analyses, p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: There were 64 (55.7%) males and 51 (44.3%) females in each of the arms of the study. The mean age of the study population was 8.4 ± 4.7 years. Seven of the subjects were G6PD-deficient giving a prevalence of 6.1% which was not significantly different from the 7.0% obtained in the controls (p = 0.789). G6PD deficiency was more frequently encountered in the older age groups although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.438). Similarly, mean G6PD activity was highest in the under-5 age-group compared to the older age-groups analysed (p = 0.573). The condition was also commoner in the males than females although the difference did not attain statistical significance (p = 0.897). Conclusions: The prevalence of G6PD deficiency among SCD children was 6.1%. The condition is marginally commoner in males and older children.

Frequency of Methicillin Resistance among Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Isolates in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background: Colorectal polyps, especially adenomas, are known as precursors ofcolorectal carcinomas. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence andhistopathologic characteristics of colonic polyps among Nigerians that underwent colonoscopy at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. The authors also determined the polyp detection rate and adenoma detection rate.Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study of allcolonoscopy examinations performed at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital,Ilorin from March 2013 to September 2017. The endoscopy register was reviewed,and patients’ biodata, indications for colonoscopy and colonoscopic findings were recorded on a proforma. The histopathologic reports of the polyps were also retrieved and their diagnosis confirmed.Results: A total of 289 patients had colonoscopy carried out on them. The age of the patients ranged from 14 to 90 years with a mean ±SD of 57.0 ± 15.3 years and a median age of 58 years. There were 178 (61.6%) males and 111 (38.4%)females giving a M:F ratio of 1.6:1. The indications for colonoscopy were rectal bleeding 124 (42.9%); suspected colorectal cancer 67 (23.2%); abdominal pain 22(7.6%); chronic diarrhea 18 (6.2%); surveillance colonoscopy 12 (4.2%); constipation 11 (3.8%); change in bowel habit 9 (3.1%); occult bleeding 6 (2.1%); others 20 (6.9%). Endoscopic findings were normal findings 89 (30.8%); hemorrhoids 88 (30.4%); colonic polyps 50 (17.3%); diverticulosis 34 (11.8%); rectal cancer 29 (10.0%); colon cancer 24 (8.3%); colitis 19 (6.6%); others 13 (4.5%). The findings were not mutually exclusive. The diagnostic yield was 69.2%. The overall polyp detection rate was 17.3%. Of the 50 patients with polyps, 33 (66.0%) were males (p = 0.481). The adenoma detection rate was 4.8%.Conclusion: The authors conclude that their observed polyp detection rate is consistent with the estimated rates for Africa. Rectal bleeding and adenomatous polyps were the commonest presentation and histopathologic finding, respectively.Keywords: colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyp, inflammatory polyp, colonoscopy

A Clinicopathological Review of Colonic Polyps in a Tertiary Hospital in North Central Nigeria

Background: Colorectal polyps, especially adenomas, are known as precursors of colorectal carcinomas. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and histopathologic characteristics of colonic polyps among Nigerians that underwent colonoscopy at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. The authors also determined the polyp detection rate and adenoma detection rate.

Incidence of Common and Rare Cancers in Ilorin, Nigeria

Cancer is a public health problem worldwide, affecting all categories of persons. It is the second common cause of death in developed countries and among the three leading causes of death in developing countries. Due to its genetics and medical importance, study on its incidence is germane. In the present study, 74 different cancers of 2,246 (n = 891 male and n = 1355 female) cancer patients within the age of 1-105 in Nigeria were retrospectively reviewed using the data from University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). The overall profile of the categories showed the leading position of breast cancer, followed by cancer of the digestive system (32.29% and 19.67%, respectively), while Kaposi sarcoma, endocrine system and brain cancers were among the rare or least recorded (&lt;1.0% incidence rate). Furthermore, the trend showed a high prevalence during 2011 and 2015 (&gt;13% and &gt;11%) than any other year within the study, while the lowest incidence was recorded in 2016 (&lt;6%). Predisposing factors like tumorigenesis, immune system, biological stressors as well as gene-environment interaction and low life expectancy could influence the risk of different groups of cancer. Therefore, future investigations should be targeted on risk factors related to those considered rare so as to provide useful information about possible signs and symptoms for diagnosis before it escalate.

The use of herbal medicines amongst outpatients at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Kwara State – Nigeria

BackgroundIn Africa, particularly Nigeria, there is an increasing interest in natural product remedies with a basic approach towards nature. This research studies the prevalence of use, pattern of use and awareness of outpatients at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria on the use of herbal medicines. MethodologyBased on an informed consent, semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from a total of 112 outpatients attending different outpatient clinics of the hospital about the use of herbs. This sample size was derived from the Kish formula. Data obtained were analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics software V23 and inferences made accordingly. ResultsAll (100.00%) of the outpatients were familiar with herbal medicines, 67.86% had used herbal medicines in the past and 25.00% were currently taking herbal medicines as at the time of study. It was also found that 54.35% of the respondents use herbal medicines in no specific dose, 47.83% use the herbs with various additives, and 39.13% take their herbs concurrently with orthodox medicines. A total of 13.73% of the respondents prefer to use herbs when sick and another 35.29% prefer a combination of herbs and orthodox medicines. ConclusionsMost of the patient-respondents prefer to include herbal medicines in their therapies. It is concerning that over one-third of the respondents concomitantly use herbal and orthodox medicines, some others use the herbs inappropriately. More efforts should be geared towards ensuring general improved use of herbal medicines.

Clinico-radiological indications for drainage of isolated amebic liver abscess using a rule of 5's: results of a 10 year retrospective review

Introduction: Liver abscesses from amebiasis are primarily managed using medical therapy. Although guidelines exist for drainage of hepatic abscess, these indications are usually individualized. A simplified approach to determine the need for surgical intervention may be desirable. Methods: A 10 year retrospective study was carried out at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between October 2007 and September 2017. A structured pro forma was used to study patients with suspected amebic liver abscess. Patient demographics, clinical and laboratory features as well as radiological findings were noted. The types of treatment and outcomes of management were also determined. The SPSS v20 software was used. Appropriate statistical analysis including chi square, Fischer's exact, Independent T test and Mann U Whitney test were utilized. A p- value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 89 patients were treated for amebic liver abscess during this period. Thirteen (13) patients required drainage. Variables associated with drainage included the following: Symptom duration >5 weeks, Abscess cavity >5cm, estimated fluid volume >500mls on imaging, abscess cavity wall thickness >5mm, liver segment involved < segment 5(i.e. segments 1-4 or the left hemi-liver) and parenteral antibiotic therapy lasting more than 5 days. Open drainage via a mini-laparotomy was the preferred method of intervention for technical reasons. Conclusion: A simplified rule of 5's may be used to determine the need for drainage of liver abscesses. These findings need to be validated by appropriately powered prospective studies.

Epidemiology of Depression in a Primary Care Setting in North Central Nigeria

There has been an increasing interest in mental health at the primary care level. This is because globally, mental illnesses are major contributors to the burden of diseases. It is on this premise that this study aimed at determining the prevalence and epidemiology of depression among adult patients assessing care in a primary care setting in the north central region of Nigeria was conceptualized. The study was a descriptive hospital based cross-sectional study in which data was collected from 425 adult patients attending the family medicine clinics of university of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Nigeria between June and August 2016. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used for data collection. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to screen the respondents for depression. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21(SPSS-21). The prevalence of depression found in this study was 24.9%. Age was the only Socio-demographic factor that was found to have a statistically significant association with depression (p=0.045). In conclusion, depression was found to be common in the Family Medicine Clinics UITH. Primary care providers should have a high index of suspicion in the diagnosis and management of depression.

Deceased Donor Organ Transplantation Potential

Organ transplantation is the gold standard for treating end-stage organ diseases, many of whom are on waiting lists. The reasons for this include the nonavailability of suitable organs to be transplanted. In many nations, most of these challenges have been surmounted by the adoption of deceased donor program, which is not so in sub-Saharan countries such as Nigeria. This study is to audit the potentially transplantable organs available from potential deceased donors from a Nigerian tertiary hospital. This is a study of deaths in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the accident and emergency units of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Data included the biodata, social history, diagnosis or indications for admission, time of arrival and death, causes of death, associated comorbidities, potential organs available, social history, and availability of relations at the time of death. There were 104 deaths in the ICU and 10 patients in the accident and emergency unit. There were 66 males (57.9%) and 48 females (42.1%). Eighty patients were Muslims (70.2%) and 34 were Christians (19.8%). A total of 33 participants were unmarried (28.9%),whereas 81 (71.1%) were married. The tribes of the patients were Yoruba (105, 92.1%), Igbo (7, 6.1%), Hausa (1, 0.9%), and Nupe (1, 0.9%). The age range was 0.08-85 years. Twenty-two (19.3%) had primary and the remaining had at least secondary education. The causes of death were myriad, and there were relatives available at the times of all deaths. The Maastricht classification of the deaths were Class I - 1 (0.9%), Class II - 37 (32.2%), Class III - 9 (7.8%), Class IV - 20 (17.4%), and Class V - 47(40.9%). There were no transplantable organs in 42 (36.5%), one organ in eight (7%), two organs in two (7%), three organs in one (0.9%), four organs in 13 (11.3%), five organs in six (5.2%), six organs in 11 (9.6%), seven organs in 11 (9.6%), eight organs in five (13%), and nine organs in five (4.3%). Deceased donor sources of organs are worthy of being exploited to improve organ transplantation in Nigeria.

Thoracic endometriosis syndrome at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.

Background Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue (stroma and functional glands) outside the uterine cavity in women of reproductive age. Ectopic sites are frequently located in the pelvis; extrapelvic sites have been reported in the gastrointestinal tract and thoracic cavity. Thoracic manifestation of endometriosis constitutes thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES). Objectives To examine the presentation pattern and outcome of in the management of TES. Methods This study is a retrospective review of medical records of patients diagnosed with endometriosis at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital over a 3.5-year period from January 2014 to June 2017. Results A total of 21 patients presented with endometriosis, of whom 8 (38.1%) presented with TES. The most common variety of TES was catamenial pleural effusion (CPE) accounting for 75%, followed by catamenial chest pain (37.5%). Two patients (25%) each presented with catamenial pneumothorax and catamenial haemoptysis, while 1 (12.5%) had catamenial surgical emphysema. Closed thoracostomy tube drainage plus chemical pleurodesis was the most frequent intervention technique, accounting for 62.5%. Conclusion TES remains an uncommon entity, despite being the most common extrapelvic manifestation of endometriosis. CPE appeared to be the most common variant of TES in our environment. Currently available treatment options need to be improved, and more use made of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Thoracic endometriosis syndrome at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital

Thoracic endometriosis syndrome at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital

Utilization of antibiotics among physicians in the general outpatient unit of a tertiary health facility in North Central Nigeria

Background: Antibiotics are prescribed to treat infections caused by suspected or confirmed organism(s). Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing could lead to treatment failure increase cases of toxicity and development of resistant strains of organism.Objective: To assess the pattern of antibiotics prescribing among physician in the General Outpatients Department of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital in Ilorin.Method: The study involved a 6 month retrospective review of prescription sheets in the General Outpatient Department of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) to assess the prescription pattern. A total of 3,552 prescriptions were reviewed. Information on prescribing pattern of physicians and patient demographics were obtained through a date collection form. The data obtained were entered into Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 16 and analyzed using descriptive value. Logistic regression was used in inferential statistic and P values  0.05 were considered significant.Results: The prescribing rate of antibiotic was 82.13%. The most widely prescribed antibiotics were amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid (21.9%), ciprofloxacin (21.2%), metronidazole (17.2%) and Amoxycillin (9.4%). Average number of drugs per prescription was 4.32 ±1.46. There was significant difference in the prescribing duration of antibiotics in female compare to male patient. Female patients had longer duration than their male counterpart.Conclusion: There was high rate of antibiotic prescribing among physicians in the health facility. Rational prescribing in terms of generic prescribing and prescribing from Essential Drug List (EDL) was adequately complied with and the number of prescribed medications per prescription was within the limit.Bangladesh J Medicine Jul 2017; 28(2) : 64-69

Assessment of seminal biomarker of lipid peroxidation among male partners of infertile couples at the university of ilorin teaching hospital, Nigeria.

Seminal fluid analysis (SFA) is the most important investigation of infertile males. It is however limited in revealing the aetiologies of the various spermatozoa abnormalities observed on microscopy. Increasing prevalence of male infertility and the challenges of diagnosis require biochemical investigations, such as assay of seminal malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of sperm peroxidation and to support SFA in investigation of infertile males. The aim of this study was to determine the seminal level of biomarker of lipid peroxidation by measuring seminal MDA levels among infertile males in Ilorin. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. One hundred and thirty infertile males served as patients and 50 fertile males as controls. Seminal MDA was assayed using ELISA method. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used. Normally distributed data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The mean age of the patients who were mainly civil servants was 38.6 ± 6.6 years compared to 37.0 ± 5.8 years among controls. Seminal MDA was significantly higher among infertile males in this study (P < 0.05) indicating higher degree of lipid peroxidation in their semen. Seminal MDA concentrations were found to be significantly higher among infertile males with a history of alcohol consumption (P < 0.05), cigarette smoking (P < 0.001) and sexually transmitted infections (P < 0.001) when compared to control with similar history. There is significant lipid peroxidation of spermatozoa among infertile males with lifestyle playing a significant role. Evaluation of infertile males should include assessment of seminal MDA. Prophylactic administration of antioxidants to this group of patients may be beneficial.

Comparative Thermometery in Paediatric Age Group: Is the Non-Touch Infrared Thermometer (NTIT) Reading Comparable to Regular Mercury-in-Glass Thermometer (MIGT) Reading?

Background: Accurate temperature measurement is a critical step in evaluating health or disease especially in children and immmunocompromised subjects; inaccurate measurement may lead to improper diagnosis, wrong treatment or inappropriate intervention. Several methods of temperature measurements exist and comparing these gives room for choosing a near ideal method in terms of speed, safety and accuracy. The study aimed to compare the forehead non touch infra-red thermometer with the axilllary mercury-in-glass method of temperature measurement in the Paediatric age-group. Methods: Study was given ethical approval as part of a larger study. Four hundred and thirty seven children aged 1 to 24 months were studied at the well-baby/immunizationclinic of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital over a 6-months period. Both non-touch infrared and theregular mercury-in-glass thermometers were used to take the body temperatures. Data were analysed with SPSS version 21. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between the two methods of temperature measurements, while Bland-Altman method was used to test for level of agreement between them. Results: The mean age and SD was 5.81 ± 4.04 months. Pearson correlation showed a positive correlation between the axillary mercury-in-glass and forehead non-touch infra-red thermometry readings (r = 0.281, p ). Also, Bland-Altman method revealed a good agreement between both methods of thermometry as 96% of the readings were within the limits of agreement. Mean difference was 0.09°C (95% confidence interval 0.05 - 0.13). Conclusion: Axillary mercury-in-glass thermometer and forehead non touch infra-red thermometers have a good agreement and can be used interchangeably.

Erratum: Assessment of seminal biomarker of lipid peroxidation among male partners of infertile couples at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.4103/npmj.npmj_51_18].

Hyperuricemia and Its Correlation with Target Organ Damage and Electrocardiographic Changes in Newly Diagnosed Adult Nigerian Hypertensive Patients

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Hyperuricemia and evaluate its correlation with target organ damage and electrocardiographic changes in newly diagnosed adult Nigerian hypertensive patients. It was a cross sectional study done at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. 150 untreated newly diagnosed hypertensive patients 18 years and above and 115 age and sex-matched normotensive individuals were recruited into the study. Data obtained was analyzed using Epi-Info version 6.04 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 14 computer software packages. The prevalence of Hyperuricemia was 36.7% and 17.4% in hypertensive patients and normotensive controls respectively. Mean serum UA in hypertensive patients and normotensive controls was 0.4±0.1mmol/l and 0.3±0.1mmol/l respectively (p<0.0001). There was an association between Hyperuricemia and left ventricular hypertrophy (x2=23.97, p<0.0001). The study showed that Hyperuricemia is prevalent in adult Nigerians with newly diagnosed hypertension. Hyperuricemia was associated with left ventricular hypertrophy which is common target organ damage and confers an increased risk of cardiovascular events in systemic hypertension.

Epidemiology of traumatic fractures in a tertiary health center in Nigeria

Background: The incidence of fractures from trauma is increasing due to increase in means of transportation, poor roads and disobedience of road safety laws. Adequate knowledge about the involvement of different parts of the body in trauma will aid planning towards management of these fractures. Aim: This is to show the etiology and frequency of the affected bone of the body by trauma, which can serve as a template for future health care planning and delivery. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study in which data from all patients that presented at the accident and emergency unit of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital with fractures, from January 2012 to December 2012 were analyzed. Results: During the study period, a total of 401 fractures in 334 patients were seen. Isolated fractures were seen in 227 patients, while 107 patients had multiple fractures. Male to female ratio was 2.8 : 1, the mean age was 34.2 ± 5.4 years. The commonest bone fractured was the Tibia which accounted for 25% (100 cases). The commonest form of trauma causing these fractures was motor vehicle crash which accounted for 75.6% (303 cases). Conclusion: Prevention of road traffic accident by provision of good roads and enforcement of road safety laws will reduce fractures significantly.

Bacterial vaginosis: Prevalence and associated risk factors among non-pregnant women of reproductive age attending a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) among non-pregnant women of reproductive age group. A cross-sectional study among non-pregnant asymptomatic women aged 19 to 45 years, attending the gynaecological clinic at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. Participants were counselled and an informed consent was obtained. This was followed by vaginal swabs for microscopy, culture and sensitivity. Diagnosis of BV was by Nugent's criteria. Data analysis was by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Chi-square and Yates corrected chi-square were calculated, and p value <0.05 was significant. Among the 212 participants, prevalence of BV was 40.1%; it was common among women aged 25-34 years (50; 58.8%), the married (77; 90.6%) and those with tertiary education (39; 45.9%). The risk factors for BV were common among women with laboratory evidence of the infection, however statistically significant risk factors were the use of intrauterine device (OR 1.61, 95%CI 0.543-4.759; p0.020) and previous voluntary termination of pregnancy (OR 1.04, 95%CI 0.600-1.808; p0.047). There was high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in the study population. Universal screening and treatment of cases may assist in lowering the associated morbidity.

An investigation of the patterns and outcomes of Electroencephalographic (EEG) recording requests in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders in a teaching Hospital in Nigeria.

To evaluate the relevance of Electroencephalography (EEG) in the management of various neuropsychiatric conditions in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin. EEG is still relevant in the diagnosis and management of patients with seizure disorders and extends to other neuropsychiatric conditions. However, very few studies have examined the use of EEG in developing countries, including Nigeria. The EEG records of 154 patients between January 2012 and December 2012 were reviewed. EEG unit's records, including EEG request forms and EEG reports were examined. Socio demographic data, clinical data and the neurologist's comments on the EEG recordings were extracted and recorded on the proforma form. A total of 142(92.2%) of the patients out of 154 had complete records and were studied. Majority (84.5%) of the patients were below the age of 30 years. Various types of seizure disorders accounted for 80% of the provisional diagnosis. The EEG diagnosis based on the interpretation of the EEG records showed that 96 (67.6%) of the patients had normal records. EEG still plays a very important role in the investigation of neuropsychiatric conditions especially epilepsy in developing countries. EEG facilities should be readily available.

Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy among patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Ilorin, Nigeria

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of blindness worldwide. The associated loss of productivity and quality of life of the patients with diabetic retinopathy will lead to additional socioeconomic burden. This study aims to determine the level of awareness of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients. &lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Materials and Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This hospital-based cross sectional study, was carried out at the Diabetic and Ophthalmology clinics of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria from November 2011 to July 2012. A total of 365&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;patients had validated, semi-structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaires to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical information and awareness of diabetic retinopathy. &lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 365 patients were enrolled, with age between 19 and 90 years, and a mean of 45.8 ±16.3 years. The male to female ratio was 1: 2.2. Ninety-nine respondents (27.1%) had no education. The majority (30.4%) had only primary education; 21.1% had tertiary; 14.5% had secondary while 6.8% had Quranic education. The mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 14.1 ±13.09 years. Of the 365 patients with diabetes mellitus, 279(76.4%) had heard that diabetes mellitus affects the eyes, while 86(23.6%) had not. Of those who had heard, 221(79.2%) heard it from health personnel, 45(16.1%) from radio/television, 25(9.0%) from internet, 23(8.2%) from books/newspapers, while 16(5.7%) heard from other sources.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;There was a high level of awareness of diabetic retinopathy amongst the patients. However, the high level of awareness of the blinding complication of diabetes mellitus did not translate to a correspondingly high level of ocular examination for diabetic retinopathy. &lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;