Knowledge of Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy among a Rural Population

A.A. Chime; C.M Chuka-Okosa; I.R Ezegwui; N.N Udeh; G.C Eze

Authors

A.A. Chime Ophthalmology Department, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu.
C.M Chuka-Okosa Ophthalmology Department, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu.
I.R Ezegwui Ophthalmology Department, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu.
N.N Udeh Ophthalmology Department, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu.
G.C Eze Ophthalmology Department, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu.

Abstract

Diabetes as well as diabetic retinopathy have currently become global epidemics.1 Unfortunately, the burden is more in developing countries compared to the developed countries.2 Diabetes is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major complications of diabetes and is associated with visual impairment. Early detection and prompt treatment remain the gold standard for the prevention of visual impairment from diabetic retinopathy.1 The effectiveness of this is however dependent on the baseline knowledge regarding these disease conditions which in turn has been shown to influence practice.3,4 The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge regarding diabetes and diabetic retinopathy among a rural population in Enugu.

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