Visual Screening practice for Diabetic Retinopathy and Associated Factors among Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus at Menilik II Comprehensive Specialized Hospital

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is on the rise in Ethiopia especially in the urban population with an escalating diabetes epidemic. Visual screening for DR among individuals with diabetes mellitus is a critical preventive measure to mitigate the potentially blinding consequences of this condition. However, the current state of visual screening practices among individuals with diabetes mellitus in Addis Ababa remains poorly understood. Objectives: To assess the Visual screening Practice for Diabetic Retinopathy and Associated Factors among Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus at Menilik II Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals with diabetes mellitus who were on follow-up at Menilik II Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Medical Referral Clinic using systematic random sampling method. The Kobo tool was used to collect data, and SPSS V26 was utilized for data analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to analyze the relationships between visual screening practices for diabetic retinopathy among individuals with diabetes mellitus and associated factors. Results: A total of 371 individuals with diabetes mellitus who came to the medical referral clinic participated in the study, with a response rate of 92.07%. The prevalence of adequate visual screening practice for DR was 37.5 % (95% CI=32.0-42.0). Factors significantly associated with adequate practice were age group from 41 to 65 (AOR= 3.15, 95% CI=1.09,9.03,p=0.03), being married (AOR=1.75, 95% CI= 1.01,2.97, p=0.04), higher education (AOR=3.82, 95% CI=1.33,10.95, p=0.01), known eye disorders or problems (AOR=3.95, 95% CI= 2.10,7.42, p<0.01) and adequate knowledge (AOR= 5.10, 95% CI= 2.81,9.24, p<0.01) and favorable attitude (AOR= 0.36, 95% CI= 0.19-0.68, p<0.01). Conclusion and Recommendation: This study found that visual screening practices among individuals with diabetes mellitus was inadequate. Age group from 41 to 65, who are married, attended higher education, had known eye disorders and with adequate knowledge of diabetic retinopathy screening were found to be significantly associated with adequate visual screening practices for diabetic retinopathy. Awareness creation about regular eye check-ups can improve visual screening practice.

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