AbstractAim: To determine and compare current levels of knowledge, attitude and practice patterns in known diabetics attending hospital and amongst diabetic patients in villages. Methods: Present Study was conducted at Department of Ophthalmology, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Science, Bhuj, and Kutch. 307 known diabetics coming to hospital for screening (group1) and 300 known diabetics in the villages (group 2) were evaluated and knowledgeattitudepractice regarding diabetic retinopathy was determined. Results: Majority 58.3% among hospital patients knew that diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes as compared to only 18% of camp patients. Group 1 had better knowledge about diabetic retinopathy than group2. Attitude for eye checkup was poor both in group 1 and 2. Practices regarding need for eye checkup followed by patients in both groups were similar. Conclusion: The sex, literacy, occupational status, economic status and duration of diabetes mellitus were factors that were found to be significantly associated with knowledge, attitude and practices of the patients.
Keywords: Bhuj; NonProliferative Diabetic Retinopathy; Knowledge; Attitudes; Practice.