title: Knowledge, Beliefs and Practices of Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica.
abstract: To determine the knowledge, beliefs and practices of patients with diabetic retinopathy attending the Retina Eye Clinic at the University Hospital of the West Indies. A prospective study was done using a questionnaire with a sample population of 150 patients. The questions included their knowledge about the frequency of their eye examination, the relevance of exercise and a healthy diet, the role of the ophthalmologist and their views on the importance of compliance with medications for diabetes and hypertension. One hundred and fifty patients were recruited. Sixty six percent (99/150) were females and 34 % (51/150) males. The ages ranged from 29 to 83 years (mean ± SD, 56.1 ± 10.3) years. Type II diabetes was more common; 63 and 79 % of females and males respectively. A minority (19.8 %) obtained tertiary education. The mean % knowledge scores were 86 ± 14 for males and 82.8 ± 16.4 for females (p = 0.260). Prior to attending the retina clinic, 50 % were unaware of the need for annual eye examinations. Compliance with medication, exercise and a special diet was seen in 73, 40.3 and 49.7 % respectively. Current knowledge scores were good. However, knowledge about the timing and frequency of eye examinations prior to attending the retina clinic was inadequate. Correct knowledge and beliefs did not correspond to a high level of compliant practices.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Kingston 7, Jamaica, West Indies.|Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica, West Indies.
authors.forename: Tecah
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Foster
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Kingston 7, Jamaica, West Indies. lizettemowatt@yahoo.com.|Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica, West Indies. lizettemowatt@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Lizette
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mowatt
authors.affiliation: Office of the Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, West Indies.
authors.forename: Jasneth
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mullings
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007563:Jamaica; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Beliefs; Diabetic retinopathy; Jamaica; Knowledge; Practices