Knowledge and Attitude of Primary Health Care Nurses Toward Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Integration

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 50–59

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000138

Original Research Article

Title: Knowledge and Attitude of Primary Health Care Nurses Toward Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Integration

Names of Authors: Tewodros W. Assefa¹, Mulugeta G. Abebe²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; ²School of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia

Abstract:
Diabetic retinopathy is a major, preventable cause of blindness that can be efficiently managed via early detection at the primary care tier. This study investigated the baseline clinical knowledge and professional attitudes of primary health care (PHC) nurses regarding the integration of routine diabetic retinopathy screening into daily workflows. A descriptive cross-sectional study was executed across 18 regional primary health centers. A sample of 215 practicing PHC nurses completed a pre-validated, self-administered survey instrument. Associations between nurse variables and knowledge scores were computed via independent sample t-tests and ANOVA models. Analysis showed that only 34.9% of the respondents possessed an adequate level of knowledge regarding retinopathy risk factors and early warning features. Conversely, a broad majority (86.5%) exhibited a positive attitude toward undergoing specialized training to perform basic visual acuity checks and fundus photography. Nurses with more than 5 years of clinical practice demonstrated significantly better baseline knowledge scores compared to novice professionals (p = 0.012). While primary care nurses display enthusiasm toward expanding their roles in vision preservation, severe knowledge deficits persist. Formalized continuing nursing education modules focusing on diabetic eye care must be integrated to facilitate comprehensive screening models.

Keywords: Primary Care Nursing; Diabetic Retinopathy; Vision Screening; Knowledge; Attitude; Chronic Disease Management.

Manuscript Timeline: Received May 14, 2026; Revised July 03, 2026; Accepted July 22, 2026; Published August 14, 2026.

Citation: Assefa, W. T., & Abebe, G. M. (2026). Knowledge and Attitude of Primary Health Care Nurses Toward Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Integration. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(8), 50–59.

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