Knowledge, attitude and practices on diabetes and diabetic retinopathy of rural population from an Indian state

To ascertain the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the general population and of persons with diabetes about diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in rural southern India. 380 people with diabetes (Group 1) and 380 people from the general population (Group II) aged ≥ 40 years were randomly enrolled from rural villages in Andhra Pradesh, southern India. A KAP questionnaire was used to document the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices. Scores were given to each question on a continuous scale — minimum 60 % in each section was taken as the correct knowledge, a positive attitude and good practices. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine the factors positively influencing the knowledge, attitude and practices among the subjects. The mean score of knowledge (P < 0.001), attitude (P < 0.001) and practices (P < 0.001) was significantly higher among persons with diabetes. Among the persons in Group I, 28.2 %, 36.1 % and 40.3 % had the correct knowledge, a positive attitude and good practices, respectively, whereas the scores of the Group II were comparatively low. In Group I, 58.2 % (221) never had a dilated examination and there was no statistically significant difference between males and females (P 0.24) in terms of a dilated eye examination. Among those who had dilated eye examination 92.5 % (147) had dilated examination only once although 46.3 % had diagnosed diabetes for more than 5 years. In the multiple linear regression analysis education of the subjects is the main influencing factor for correct knowledge (P < 0.001) and a positive attitude (P < 0.001) in both the groups. Targeted health education programs needs to be organised and targeted for both communities and practitioners to increase the awareness resulting in positive practices.