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Abstract #19088 Published in IGR 3-1
Knowledge about eye complications in patients with diabetes type 1 and type 2
Mirkiewicz-Sieradzka B; Dudzinska EDiabetologia Polska 2000; 7: 108-115
Education of diabetics has become an integral part of their therapy. However, the system of education related to eye complications is still imperfect, and patient knowledge on the subject unsatisfactory. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of eye complications in patients with diabetes type 1 and 2, and to identify the determinants of this knowledge. A questionnaire was distributed among 202 patients with type 1 (48 patients) and type 2 (154 patients) diabetes. The questionnaire consisted of 40 questions relating to general information, diabetes, education, and ophthalmological examinations. Further questions related to eye complications in general, diabetic cataract, glaucoma, and retinopathy. Statistical analysis included the Spearman correlation test and logistic regression analysis of selected parameters. The mean level of knowledge of general eye complications was 65%. Knowledge of diabetic cataracts was 67%, glaucoma 70%, and retinopathy 71%. The level of knowledge increased significantly with a higher level of education (p = 0.001), longer duration of diabetes (p = 0.001), active ophthalmological therapy (p = 0.01), completion of education in the field of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.01), and eye complications (p = 0.001), whereas it decreased significantly when diabetes was diagnosed at a more advanced age (p = 0.002). The level of knowledge of diabetic cataract and retinopathy was significantly higher in women (p = 0.01) and increased significantly with the level of education (p = 0.00001), and in the case of retinopathy also when living in more densely populated areas (p = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis taking into account diabetes duration and age at diagnosis revealed that the odds of providing correct answers to selected questions increased from year to year (by 4-14%), and decreased with older age at the onset of the disease (by 4% and 5%). The present findings indicate that it is necessary to modify education in the field of diabetes to include more detailed information of eye complications, and to establish an extended system of diabetic patient education in the area of eye complications. LA: Polish
B. Mirkiewicz-Sieradzka, Katedra Okulistyki, ul. M. Kopernika 38, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
Classification:
9.4.15 Glaucoma in relation to systemic disease (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.4 Glaucomas associated with other ocular and systemic disorders)
