Factors Influencing the Attendance of Patients with Type II Diabetes to Retinopathy Screening Series; a Primary Care Based Study in Bahrain

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a highly prevalent chronic disease and Bahrain is ranked amongst the top ten. Diabetes has many complications. Retinopathy caused by diabetes if considered number one leading cause of blindness world wild. This study explore the factors influencing the uptake of the Digital Retinopathy Screening Programs (DRGP). Methods: Five of the Primary Care centers in the country providing the (DRSP) have been visited on daily basis for two weeks in row and patients attending for the test have been questioned, defaulters were called and questioned through the phone for the causes. Results: A total of 367 type II DM patients were enrolled in the study with a (42.5%) are within the age range of 50-59. 75.2 % of the sample attended for the screening and were questioned and the remaining non attendees were questioned through the phone. A Comparison between the characteristics and reasons behind attendance and non attendance amongst the two groups was conducted statistically by SPSS using Chi Sequare test and Fisher's exact test. Results using P-Value showed that the major reasons for non attending the appointments are forgetting the appointment, ignorance, neglect, some special circumstances like sickness or travel and miscommunication between patients and staff or physicians. While on the other hand, reminders and physician recommendations have show to be of a positive influence over patients' attendance. Conclusion: It is quiet essential to work on strategies that decrease the percentage of defaulters and improve the uptake of an important screening program such as the DRSP. Reminder systems, Improvement of the communications between patients and health care provider and increasing physicians' recommendations to enhance patients' awareness are all modifiable factors that can influence best on improving such service.