Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: May | Volume: 10 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 172-175
A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Planned Teaching Programme Regarding Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy in Diabetic Patients at Selected Hospitals of South Maharashtra
Swati Chandrahas Kurane
Assistant Professor, Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Nursing, Sangli, Maharashtra, India.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of visual impairment in India. Diabetic patients who visit hospitals have undetected, advanced diabetic retinopathy. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy in such patients could help to prevent irreversible visual impairment.
Aim: To detect pre-existing knowledge regarding diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients, to determine post-test knowledge status after planned teaching program.
Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study, conducted at the selective hospitals in South Maharashtra. Seventy diabetic patients, who fulfilled the eligibility criteria, were included in the study. Pre-existing knowledge of patients was assessed using a 18-point knowledge questionnaire. Patients were placed in different categories, such as poor, average or good knowledge. Predesigned planned teaching program was described to these patients. The post-test knowledge score was then recorded. Data were analysed using Chi-square test as appropriate. The proportions of patients with change in the pre-test score were studied.
Results: Out of the 70 patients in the study, 88.57% had average knowledge about retinopathy. Post-test knowledge score was 72.86% in good category. The knowledge score significantly improved after planned teaching program.
Conclusion: Knowledge about diabetic retinopathy was average among the patients in our study. Lack of awareness of such a serious complication can act a barrier for early detection and treatment. There is a need to improve awareness among diabetic patients about this potentially blinding complication of diabetes
Key words: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), Diabetes Mellitus (DM).