Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy and Associated Factors among Type 2 Diabetes Patients at Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of type 2 diabetes resulting from long-term accumulated damage to retinal blood vessels. It is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in adults with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and associated factors among type 2 diabetes patients visiting Tikur Anbessa Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2018. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire and direct eye examination with Topcon Retinal Camera. Data was analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 22. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of diabetic retinopathy. Statistical significance was determined using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Result: A total of 191 type 2 diabetes patients, mean age of 57 ± 10.1 years, participated in this study. From this, 98 (51.3%) had diabetic retinopathy. Multiple logistic regression model revealed that male were about 11 times (AOR=11.248, 95%CI=1.816, 69.689) more likely to have diabetic retinopathy. Participants who visited diabetes clinic every month were about 37 times (AOR=0.027, 95%CI=0.003, 0.0253), those with HbA1c ≤ 7% were 10 times (AOR=0.099, 95%CI=0.020, 0.485), and those without comorbid hypertension were 31.3 times (AOR=0.032, 95%CI=0.006, 0.167) less likely to have diabetic retinopathy. There was a 1.13 times increase in prevalence of diabetic retinopathy for a 1 year increase in the type 2 diabetes duration (AOR=1.126, 95%CI=1.022, 1.242). Conclusion: Our study showed the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 51.3%. Male sex, clinic visits every 6 months, longer duration of diabetes, HbA1c>7%, and comorbid hypertension were independently associated with diabetic retinopathy. Timely screening for diabetic retinopathy and continuous diabetes self-management education are warranted.

Determinants of diabetic retinopathy in Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Ethiopia: a case–control study

“…The current study found that the odds of DR increased in patients with a longer duration of diabetes. This finding is in line with previous studies conducted worldwide [21,[30][31][32][33][34], which reported that diabetes duration ≥ 10 years is the most significant risk factor for the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy.…”

“…Regarding the frequency of visits, respondents who were appointed every month and every 3 months had much fewer odds of having DR than those appointed for a visit every 6 months. This finding is in line with a cross-sectional study conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which reported that participants who visited the diabetes clinic every month had lower odds of developing DR when compared to patients who visited the clinic every 6 months [21]. The possible reasons might be that frequent visits to the clinic enable health professionals and patients to know the progress of the disease and adjust the treatment option as early as possible before the occurrence of severe complications.…”

“…The questionnaire has four parts adapted from a study conducted at the Tikur Anbessa Hospital [20,21]. It includes socio-demographic factors, behavioral factors, clinical factors, and institutional factors.…”

Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy and Risk Factors Among Diabetic Patients at University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, North-West Ethiopia. 

“…8 However, the nding in our study is lower than the prevalence reported by Shibiru T et.al (51.3%) from Tikur Anbessa Hospital in Ethiopia. 7 The variations in sample size and diagnostic method may have caused this discrepancy. Some studies from other parts of the world also reported gures higher than the prevalence seen in the current study.…”

“…4 Few available diabetes clinic based studies in Ethiopia reported prevalence of diabetic retinopathy ranging from 34%-51%. 5,6,7,8 DR is an emerging cause of blindness in the developing world. Identi cation of the prevalence and associated risk factors of DR in our particular community could indicate areas to focus on in the follow up and care of diabetic patients.…”