Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes
which can lead to visual impairment or even blindness. However, early
detection and prompt treatment can reduce the risk of visual impairment
significantly. Therefore, it is important to detect the socioeconomic
predictors of late presentation of diabetic retinopathy which was the
objective of this study.
Methods
A cross sectional study was conducted in Retina department of Al- Shifa
Trust Eye Hospital for duration of four months. All patients diagnosed with
diabetic retinopathy for the first time were inducted and data was collected
through an interview-based questionnaire. Classification into stages was
done based on system developed by American Academy of
Ophthalmology. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify
predictors of late presentation of diabetic retinopathy.
Results
Out of total sample (n= 243), 170 (70%) presented with vision threatening
diabetic retinopathy. Final multivariate analysis demonstrated that patient
registration category, and area of residence were the two statistically
significant predictors of late presentation (VTDR) of disease. Patients who
were registered in free (non-paying) category of the hospital had a 21.9
times higher risk of presenting with VTDR as compared to privately (fully
paying) registered patients.
Conclusion
Socioeconomic variables were found to be statistically significant
predictors of late presentation of diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, targeted
services should be provided to the socioeconomically deprived people