A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment for the Degree of Masters in Medicine (Ophtalmology), Faculty of Medecine, Department of Ophtalmology University of Naîrobi

RESUME,

Background:Despite the growing diabetic retinopathy (DR) burden,the discase continues to receive a relatively low public health in the Burundi.It is the fourth cause leading to Burundi.
Objective:To establish the knowledge ,attitude and practice on diabetic retinopathy among general practitionners working in district and regional Hospitals in the North Region of Burundi.
Methodology:The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study.It targeted General Practitioners working at district and regional Hospitals in the North Region of Burundi.The sample size was 86 General Practitioners.A self -administered questionnaire was used to collect data.The data collected was analysed using statistical Program for social science (SPSS).Significant differences and associations were determined by p values of less than 0.05.
Results:Eighty (81) General Practitioners participated in the study with a male to female ratio of 4.8:1.The mean duration of practice for respodents was 204 years.General Doctors are allowed to enter residency programs after two years of practice while others are promoted into central administration,thus leaving the Regional and District Hospitals.Participants had good knowledge of systemic implications of diabetic mellitus with 76,5% who were aware that kidney could be affected by microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus.
Participants had poor knowledre about risk factors for DR with only 24.7% and 16.1% mentioning hypertension and duration.However,poor glycaemic control was mentioned by 69.1% of participants.Laser photocoagulation and ocularsurgery were mentioned by 43,2% and 11.1% participants successively as treatment modalities available for DR.
Participants had good attitude toward screening for DR with 92.6% who desagreed that eye examination is indicated when vision is affected and 79% agreed that Fundoscopy done by General practitioner can help to detected early DR.Fundus examination of diabetic patients was poorly done by 6.2% of General practitionersand 4.9% had access to an ophthalmoscope .Only 22.2% of participants were testing the vision of diabetic patient in a year.
Conclusion:Participants had poor knowledge but good attitudes toward screening for DR which was not expressed in practice unfortinately.