One common and unique microvascular consequence of diabetes mellitus is diabetic
retinopathy, which gradually progresses over time and can lead to permanent vision lost. Current
study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational strategies on diabetic retinopathy patients’ self
care practice, and quality of life. A quasi-experimental design (one group pre/posttest) was
employed to achieve the study aim in an ophthalmology and diabetic outpatient clinic at Benha
University Hospital, in Benha City Qalyubia governorate, Egypt on a purposive subject of 50
diabetic patients with retinopathy. The study used structured Interview Questionnaire, Diabetic
Retinopathy Patients ’Self-care Practices Assessment., and the Vision Functioning related quality of
life questionnaire. Results: The total mean of the patients’ knowledge improved to 29.04 ± 7.29,
25.42 ± 7.26, and 24.62 ± 6.32 at immediate, 1st, and 2nd-month post-educational strategies
implementation, respectively compared with before with statistically significant differences. The
mean percentage score of the total self-care practices improved to 77.41%, 72.48% and 71.11% at
immediate, 1st, and 2nd-month post-educational strategies implementation, respectively compared
with before with significant differences. Along the same line, A statistically significant
enhancement in their quality of life (QOL) was detected following the implementation of
educational strategies (p≤ .001). The study group exhibited an improvement in overall knowledge
and self-care practices after the educational strategies were implemented, with a highly significant
and positive correlation to their total quality of life. The study recommended establish an
educational program to instruct diabetic retinopathy patients on effective self-care practices to
minimize complications. The study should be carried out for patients with diabetic retinopathy in
various healthcare settings with a larger sample size. |
