Effect of an Educational Intervention on Self-Care Practices among Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common ophthalmic complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is one of the leading causes of vision impairment and vision loss. Timely intervention, and self-care practices measures can delay or prevent subsequent loss of vision. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on self-care practices among patients with diabetic retinopathy. Setting: The study was conducted at Vitreoretinal Outpatient Clinic at Alexandria Main University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. Subjects: A convenience sample of 60 adult patients with DR. Tools: Three tools were used for data collection: Tool I: Patients' Bio-socio demographic Data Structured Interview Schedule. Tool II: Diabetic Retinopathy Patient's Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire to assess patients' knowledge related to DR. Tool III: Self-Care Practices Structured Interview Schedule to assess self-care practices undertaken by the patients. Results: The study group showed marked improvement post-self-care practices educational intervention application where all of the study group had good overall self-care practices than control group. Conclusion: The studied patients who received self-care practices educational intervention had significant improvement of knowledge and self-care practices than those who didn't receive it. Recommendations: In-service training programs and continuing education sessions have to be provided for nurses about diabetic retinopathy, its complications, treatment modalities, and nursing management