title: Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding eye complications and care among Omani persons with diabetes - A cross sectional study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We present the level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) among diabetic patients regarding eye complications and their care.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross sectional study was conducted in 2008 at seven regions of Oman. Arabic speaking nurses interviewed diabetics at clinics. They used a closed ended questionnaire with 15 questions. The responses were analyzed and the KAP were grouped into excellent (>80%), good (60 to 79%), average (40 to 59%), poor (20 to 39%) and very poor (<20%). They were also compared among epidemiologic variants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 750 participants, 'Excellent', grade of knowledge about diagnosis and eye care was present in 547 (72.9%) and 135 (18%) persons respectively. The 'excellent' grade of attitude about eye involvement and eye care was found in 135 (18%) and 224 (29.9%) participants. The practice for undergoing eye check up and accepting treatment was of 'excellent' grade in 390 (52%) and 594 (79.2%) respectively. Age (OR = 0.98), Sharqiya region (OR = 25) and '5 to 9' duration of DM (OR = 2.1) were associated with the knowledge. '<1 year' duration (OR = 0.3) and Dhakhiliya region (OR = 39) were associated with the attitude while '5 to 9 year' duration (OR = 3.4) was associated with better practices.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Knowledge about eye complications and care is satisfactory among persons with diabetes. However, levels of attitude and practice were less than desired and should be improved. This could strengthen program approach for early detection and care of eye complications of diabetes in Oman.
authors.affiliation: Eye and Ear Health Care, Department of Non-communicable Disease Control, Oman.
authors.forename: Rajiv
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Khandekar
authors.forename: Saleh Al
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Harby
authors.forename: Harith Al
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Harthy
authors.forename: Jawad Al
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lawatti