Abstract:
Background: The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is on the rise in Ethiopia especially in
the urban population with an escalating diabetes epidemic. Visual screening for DR among
individuals with diabetes mellitus is a critical preventive measure to mitigate the potentially
blinding consequences of this condition. However, the current state of visual screening practices
among individuals with diabetes mellitus in Addis Ababa remains poorly understood.
Objectives: To assess the Visual screening Practice for Diabetic Retinopathy and Associated
Factors among Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus at Menilik II Comprehensive Specialized
Hospital.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals with
diabetes mellitus who were on follow-up at Menilik II Comprehensive Specialized Hospital
Medical Referral Clinic using systematic random sampling method. The Kobo tool was used to
collect data, and SPSS V26 was utilized for data analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic
regression model was fitted to analyze the relationships between visual screening practices for
diabetic retinopathy among individuals with diabetes mellitus and associated factors.
Results: A total of 371 individuals with diabetes mellitus who came to the medical referral clinic
participated in the study, with a response rate of 92.07%. The prevalence of adequate visual
screening practice for DR was 37.5 % (95% CI=32.0-42.0). Factors significantly associated with
adequate practice were age group from 41 to 65 (AOR= 3.15, 95% CI=1.09,9.03,p=0.03), being
married (AOR=1.75, 95% CI= 1.01,2.97, p=0.04), higher education (AOR=3.82, 95%
CI=1.33,10.95, p=0.01), known eye disorders or problems (AOR=3.95, 95% CI= 2.10,7.42,
p<0.01) and adequate knowledge (AOR= 5.10, 95% CI= 2.81,9.24, p<0.01) and favorable attitude
(AOR= 0.36, 95% CI= 0.19-0.68, p<0.01).
Conclusion and Recommendation: This study found that visual screening practices among
individuals with diabetes mellitus was inadequate. Age group from 41 to 65, who are married,
attended higher education, had known eye disorders and with adequate knowledge of diabetic
retinopathy screening were found to be significantly associated with adequate visual screening
practices for diabetic retinopathy. Awareness creation about regular eye check-ups can improve
visual screening practice.
............. Thesis available at ACIPH Library