A Pre-Experimental Study to Assess the Impact of Nurse Initiated Care [NICE] on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice related to Diabetic Retinopathy among Diabetic Patients in Selected Rural Areas of Ranipet Districts

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, especially among the working-age population. However, only 29.5% of diabetics are aware of the importance of routine eye examinations, while 35.9% are unaware. Aim: The primary objective was to check the compliance to diabetic retinopathy screening, to find the existing practice, to assess and compare the knowledge, and attitude regarding diabetic retinopathy and thereby prevent loss of vision among diabetics. Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pretest and post-test design was used to study 115 study participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria from a selected Rural Area of Ranipet District. The instruments were prepared by the investigator to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice related to diabetic retinopathy. Nurse Initiated Care (NICE) was introduced to provide education on Diabetic Retinopathy to the participants using flash cards and pamphlets and a DR screening camp was organized by the investigator. Results: The current study findings show that there is a highly significant difference between knowledge and attitude (p<0.001) regarding diabetic retinopathy before and after NICE. Compliance towards NICE shows that the majority 102(88.7%) of participants attended the DR Screening Camp. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate a need for sensitization of clients with diabetes mellitus regarding the screening of diabetic retinopathy for early detection of condition and preventing vision loss due to diabetes mellitus.