Journal Article Epublish
PubMed: 42031498 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-100026
Adherence to retinal screening recommendations and its associated factors among patients with diabetes in Ethiopian public hospitals: a cross-sectional study.
BMJ Open 16(4):e100026
Authors: Feven Dinsa, Fekadu Aga, Debela Gela, Amanuel Wldesilase
Affiliations
- Department of Nursing,School of Nursing and Midwifery Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
- Department of Nursing,School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Department of Pharmacy,College of Health Sciences, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To assess adherence to retinal screening recommendations and its associated factors among patients with diabetes receiving follow-up care at public hospitals in Ethiopia.
DESIGN
A cross-sectional, institution-based study was conducted at public hospitals in Addis Ababa from 27 February to 27 March 2023.
SETTING
Five of the fourteen public hospitals in Addis Ababa were selected for this study.
PARTICIPANTS
A systematic random sample of 405 adult patients with diabetes mellitus (receiving follow-up care at public hospitals in Addis Ababa was selected.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess statistical associations. Statistical significance between the outcome variable and independent variables was determined at a p value of less than 0.05 and a 95% CI.
RESULT
223 participants (55.1%) adhered to the recommended retinal screening guidelines. Factors significantly associated with adherence to retinal screening recommendations included being an urban resident (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.783; 95% CI 1.022 to 7.583), lack of formal education (AOR=0.242; 95% CI 0.100 to 0.589) and poor knowledge regarding diabetic retinopathy (AOR=0.281; 95% CI 0.171 to 0.462).
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Slightly more than half (55%) of the participants in this study adhered to the recommended retinal screening guidelines. Urban residence, higher educational attainment and good knowledge of diabetic retinopathy were significant predictors of adherence to retinal screening recommendations. Healthcare professionals should take a more proactive role in educating patients with diabetes about diabetic retinopathy and the importance of retinal screening, with particular emphasis on rural residents and individuals without formal education.
MeSH
Diabetes Mellitus, Cross-Sectional Studies, Hospitals, Public, Aftercare, Retinaldehyde, Education, Diabetic Retinopathy