Treatment of diabetic retinopathy: patients' perceptions in Rio Claro (São Paulo State) - Brazil

PURPOSE: To collect information and opinions from a group of diabetic patients regarding diabetic retinopathy and its treatment, in order to get reliable information that can help to improve programs and actions to control and prevent this ocular disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed. The sample was from 980 diabetic patients seen in a diabetic association. A previous questionnaire was made with general questions about the main subject. Thereafter, an appropriate questionnaire was prepared. RESULTS: The sample showed that among 299 patients with age ranging from 16 to 83 years, with a mean of 57 years, mainly female (67.91%) did not know how severe their disease was (30.8%), or believed that it was not a serious problem (19.7%). The laser technique to solve diabetic retinopathy was known by 60.2% of the patients. It was reported as the only treatment available by 24.1%. Among the reasons for no treatment 59.8% reported that they did not think it was necessary and 29.7% could not afford it. CONCLUSIONS: Patients showed lack of knowledge about how serious is diabetic retinopathy, the possibility of using laser technique for it and the severity of the disease. Some patients believed in the efficacy of the treatment and some patients did not, but all of them reported that they were afraid of submitting to it.OBJETIVO: Identificar conhecimentos e opiniões de um grupo de diabéticos referentes à retinopatia diabética e seu tratamento a fim de fornecer informações que possam contribuir para implementar e/ou aperfeiçoar programas e ações preventivas e de controle dessa afecção ocular. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo transversal. A amostra foi obtida de população de 980 diabéticos atendidos em associação de diabéticos. Foi feito estudo exploratório no qual foram formuladas perguntas abertas e gerais sobre a temática do estudo, organizando-se questionários apropriados. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi formada por 299 sujeitos de idade entre 16 e 83 anos, média de 57 anos, predominância de sexo feminino (67,91%). Desconheciam a gravidade da própria afecção (30,8 %), ou consideravam-na sem gravidade (19,7%); o tratamento a laser da retinopatia diabética era conhecido por 60,2%, sendo citado como único tratamento por 24,1%. Entre as razões da ausência de tratamento, destacou-se a ausência de sentir necessidade (59,8%) e a de recursos financeiros (29,7%). CONCLUSÕES: Os sujeitos manifestaram acentuado desconhecimento sobre retinopatia diabética, tratamento a laser e gravidade da afecção; independente de acreditar na eficácia do tratamento, revelaram medo de submeterem-se a ele.36336