Factors Associated with Delayed Eye Examination Among Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.68041/medsc.v1i1/05Keywords:
Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Retinopathy, Health Services Accessibility, Risk Factors, Vision ScreeningAbstract
Background: Failure to get an eye exam early is a major obstacle in preventing and detecting diabetic eye diseases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of undergoing delayed eye examination and to identify other demographic, clinical, and healthcare-related factors associated with such delayed eye examination among diabetic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Diabetes Clinic and Ophthalmology Department of a tertiary care teaching hospital between January and June, 2022, enrolling 80 diabetic patients. A structured questionnaire and clinical data collection form were used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, diabetes related factors, awareness about diabetic eye disease, and healthcare accessibility factors. A chi-square test was performed to see if there were any associations between potential predictors and delayed eye examination, and a multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: 51(63.8%) participants had a delayed eye examination, while 29(36.3%) had a timely eye examination. A total of 45(56.3%) participants had poor awareness of the diabetic eye complications. There was a significant association between treatment modality and delayed examination (p=0.029) and a borderline association between dyslipidemia and delayed examination (p=0.050). Multivariable analysis showed that insulin therapy was independently associated with delayed eye examination (AOR=5.94, 95% CI: 1.31–26.91, p=0.021). Conclusion: Diabetic patients were more likely to be late for their eye exams, reflecting a lack of preventive diabetic eye care. Awareness and referral systems should be improved for early detection. Multi-center research is needed to assess strategies to improve screening adherence.
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