https://matjournals.net/nursing/index.php/IJRMSN MAT Journals Pvt. Ltd. en-US International Journal of Research in Medical Surgical Nursing 2583-3243 https://matjournals.net/nursing/index.php/IJRMSN/article/view/786 <p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong><em> Diabetes mellitus is an important systemic risk factor for cataract, and people with diabetes may develop cataract earlier and experience faster progression. Knowledge of risk factors and preventive measures can support timely eye care and healthy self-management. This study assessed knowledge regarding risk factors and preventive measures of cataract among diabetic patients attending a selected hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Methods:</em></strong><em> A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive design was used. The study was conducted in the Endocrinology Outpatient Department of a tertiary care hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. Ninety patients with diabetes mellitus who met the eligibility criteria were selected using non-probability consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Section A assessed selected sociodemographic and clinical variables, and Section B consisted of 20 multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge. Each correct response was awarded one mark. Knowledge was categorized as good (15–20), average (10–14), or poor (0–9). Descriptive statistics and a chi-square test were used; p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong><em> Among the 90 participants, 36.7% were aged 51–60 years, 32.2% were aged 61–70 years, 22.2% were aged 71 years or above, and 8.9% were aged 50 years or below. Males constituted 62.2% and females 37.8%. Sixty percent reported a family history of diabetes. Regarding duration of diabetes, 27.8% had diabetes for less than 5 years, 35.6% for 5–10 years, and 36.6% for more than 10 years. Overall, 53.3% had average knowledge, 41.1% had good knowledge, and 5.6% had poor knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 13.77±2.760. Knowledge was significantly associated with duration of diabetes (χ²=5.477, df=4, p=0.046).</em></p> <p><strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong><em> Most participants had average knowledge, indicating an opportunity to strengthen diabetes-related eye-health education. Duration of diabetes was significantly associated with knowledge, suggesting that repeated contact with health services may influence awareness. Structured and continuous patient education, regular eye-health assessment, and reinforcement of preventive practices should be incorporated into routine diabetes care.</em></p> Soumya B. S Amina Shahul Hameed Midhuna M Nadiya Sha Najad N. S Najla Nujum Nandana M. S Nandana P Sunil Nandhu Krishna Navaneeth T Neha A Jessy Thomas Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Research in Medical Surgical Nursing https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 2026-08-21 2026-08-21 1 11