Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Attending the Outpatient Clinic in the General Hospital in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and a major cause of blindness. DR awareness is important for early identification and management in patients with T2D. This study aimed to estimate the level of awareness of DR and its risk factors among patients with T2D in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to analyze data collected from 291 patients with T2D attending outpatient clinics in the General Hospital in Rabigh during 2020-2021. We collected demographic information and level of awareness about T2D and DR. Results: Among 291 patients with T2D, 42.3% had T2D for more than five years, and 37.8% had T2D for two to five years. In our study population, 32.3% of participants obtained high school education, and 42.3% had moderate income. Over half of respondents (56.4%) had their last eye exam within the past year, and 68.4% of participants believed high blood glucose levels might cause vision problems. The mean ± standard deviation of the DR awareness score was 7.23 ± 2.74. Most participants had moderate level of awareness (39.5% of participants), 31.6% had good level of awareness, and 28.9% had poor level of awareness about T2D and DR. Participants without DR or who had DR for less than two years and those who had their eyes checked by a doctor last year had a significantly higher DR awareness level. Conclusion: We asked patients with T2D to assess their level of DR awareness. Most patients had moderate awareness levels, indicating a need for improved awareness of T2D complication on retina and treatment options. Patients should also be motivated for retinal screening to reduce the risk of visual complications. Furthermore, DR screening programs should not be limited to eye care centers. Improved awareness and access to screening programs will help patients and their healthcare providers achieve optimal outcomes in prevention of DR.