Evaluating a health video on diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Issue addressed Indigenous Australians are 14 times more likely than non-Indigenous Australians to develop diabetic retinopathy (DR). Blindness can be prevented in 98% of cases if DR is identified and treated early. While the National Health and Medical Research Council recommend annual screening for Indigenous Australians, screening attendance rates remain low. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a targeted health promotion intervention improved patient compliance and screening rates. Methods Bad Sugars, Bad Eyes - a culturally appropriate video targeting DR awareness and the importance of screening among Indigenous Australians - was developed at the Lions Eye Institute, Western Australia. The study used a patient questionnaire pre and post viewing of the video, as well as semi-structured interviews with Aboriginal Health Workers, to explore the influence the resource had on patient knowledge and attitudes. Eighty-four participants, currently involved in DR screening programs, were recruited from Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS). Results The video was found to increase patient knowledge about key DR issues as well as alter patient attitudes identified as potential barriers to screening. The areas most affected by the video resource were knowledge of recommended screening intervals, the severity of potential visual complications if DR is left undiagnosed and untreated and that screening is needed even when asymptomatic. Aboriginal Health Workers positively evaluated the video, all rating it as 'very' culturally appropriate, understandable and relatable. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that Indigenous DR screening attendance rates could be increased through the expanded use of this video. So what? Indigenous DR screening attendance rates remain low, despite annual recommendations by the National Health and Medical Research Council. This gap needs to be addressed.

A mixed‐methods evaluation of an urban Aboriginal diabetes lifestyle program

“…Ensuring the cultural appropriateness of programs and tailoring program elements to individualised needs is essential to create healthy lifestyle changes. Like the findings of this study, a key component of another study focused on diabetes in the Aboriginal community found that developing content that met healthcare and cultural needs could increase knowledge and screening for diabetic retinopathy 36 …”

Non‐clinical eye care support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: a systematic review

“…In one study in the NT, involving an Indigenous Elders committee was found to improve integrated chronic disease services; another NT study described the assistance of Indigenous interpreters in translating trachoma control surveys in schools . Interpreting assistance provided by AHWs during the development of a health promotion video improved knowledge about diabetic retinopathy in 27 of 84 Indigenous patients in Western Australia …”

“…Consulting AHWs, community members, and Indigenous consultative group members provided support for health promotion by designing materials or strategies regarding trachoma, visual impairment, and diabetic retinopathy that ensured cultural and linguistic appropriateness. Several studies noted that the support of AHWs, school staff, and family members were integral to trachoma control programs, including delivering and maintaining hygiene information.…”

“…Different types of cultural support were identified, including acting as a bridge between eye health services and the community, cultural mediation in consultation with eye care practitioners, 25,26,33,35,38,41 explaining and interpreting health information, 17,23,36,37 providing cultural knowledge support, 23,24 and improving cultural competence among non-Indigenous clinicians. 30 Providers of cultural support included AHWs, 17,23,24,26 community-based liaison officers, [23][24][25]41 eye health coordinators, 30 family members, 17,36,39 Elders, 23 interpreters, 23 and Indigenous reference group members.…”

Trust, culture and communication: determinants of eye health and care among Indigenous people with diabetes in Australia

“…Minimal resources have been allocated to improving access to Indigenous interpreter services, inhibiting regular use 38. From a grassroots perspective, health promotion focused on knowledge gaps with respect to diabetic retinopathy is needed, and may be adapted from existing resources 39. Participants indicated health promotion resources should be delivered in non-text-based form, incorporating Indigenous ways of being, knowing and doing as reported in other settings 40 41.…”