Objective: We aimed to evaluate the frequency of diabetic retinopathy (DRP), related factors and DRP awareness of diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between February 2019andApril 2020. Three hundred and fifty diabetic patients were contacted by phone and invited to the study. A total of 200 patients with DM over 18 years were included. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded and DRP awareness questionnaire was applied. The patients were referred to a secondary healthcare center and an ophthalmologist performed detailed ophthalmic examinations. Data were analyzed with SPSS 20. Significance level was set at p <0.05. Results: The mean age was 56.8±9.9 years, 45.5% (n=91) were women. DRP was detected in 36% (n=48) of the patients and 60.4% (n=29) of those with DRP had microhemorrhage. The frequency of DRP was higher in smokers, elderly patients, patients with a longer diagnosis of DM, high mean HbA1c and systolic blood pressure (p<0.05). Duration of DM diagnosis, HbA1c level and smoking were determined as the most important variables predicting the probability of DRP. 'How often should diabetics have an eye examination?' was answered as 'once a year' at a rate of 33.5% (n=37). While 58.5% of the participants (n=117) had their last eye examination more than a year ago; 6.5% (n=13) of them had never had an eye examination, and 20% of those (n=14) who recommended an eye examination by a physician were recommended by the family physician. Conclusion: The rate of DRP was high; it was higher in smokers, elderly, and with long-term DM, high HbA1c and systolic blood pressure. The knowledge and awareness of patients about DRP was insufficient. The role of family physicians is important in this field. It is important to provide smoking cessation counseling and to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure with close follow-ups to prevent the development of DRP.
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