Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding diabetic eye disease among U.S. adults: Results of a national telephone survey

Diabetes is a major public health concern affecting more than 20 million people in the United States. Diabetic eye disease (DED) is a complication of diabetes and can lead to severe vision loss or blindness. The National Eye Institute (NEI) and Lions Club International Foundation conducted a national survey on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to eye disease and conditions. A total of 3,180 adults responded to a national probability computer-assisted telephone survey. Slightly more than half of the surveyed adults (51%) have heard of DED. Hispanics (37%) less frequently report having heard of DED compared with Caucasians (54%), Blacks (45%), and Asians (45%). Among the 51% of adults who report having heard of DED, 92% know that people with diabetes are at higher risk for eye disease and 85% know that people with diabetes should have a dilated eye examination at least once a year. However, only 11% know that eye diseases caused by diabetes usually have no early warning signs. The KAP survey revealed a continued need to educate people with diabetes and their family and friends about DED. The information garnered from this study can be used to raise awareness and tailor outreach activities to populations at higher risk and to emphasize the need for people with diabetes to get a dilated eye examination at least once a year. Additional findings and effective strategies, including the use of lay health educators, self-guided education modules, and additional education resources developed by NEI, will be discussed.