Factors Affecting Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Uptake Among Adult Patients Attending Diabetic Clinic in a Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania

Abstract

Objective: To determine the factors affecting diabetic retinopathy screening uptake among adult patients attending diabetic clinic in a tertiary hospital in Tanzania.
Methods: This study was a hospital based analytical cross-sectional study which was conducted at the diabetic clinic of Muhimbili National Hospital from June to July 2021. All adult patients with diabetes mellitus who met inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. A stratified random sampling method was used to recruit participants.
Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences ( SPSS ) version 26.
Results: A total of 322 participants were enrolled in this study. Median age was 58 years with a range of 18 to 83 years. Less than half (43.8%) of participants were screened for diabetic retinopathy within 12 months. Physician recommendation had influence on diabetic retinopathy screening uptake (63.6%). Awareness of diabetic retinopathy screening and tolerability of mydriatic eye drops were significantly associated with screening for diabetic retinopathy within 12 months (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Improving health education on diabetic retinopathy and diabetic retinopathy screening as well as ensuring comfortability during and after pupillary dilatation is necessary to enhance diabetic retinopathy screening uptake.