FACTORS INFLUENCING ATTENDANCE BY DIABETIC PATIENTS FOR YEARLY OPHTHALMIC REVIEWS: A DESCRIPTIVE CO-RELATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathies is a complication of diabetes mellitus causing blindness globally, and as patients live longer, cases of diabetic retinopathy increases. Despite efforts to educate patients at their eye visits, yearly follow up visits is still a major challenge. Objectives of the study were to investigate the reasons for noncompliance by determining the relationship among the selected factors (knowledge/ condence/ fear and anxiety) and adherence to yearly reviews by the ophthalmologist. The instrument used was a semi-structured questionnaire with sections covering demographics, statements regarding diabetes and diabetic eye care and one section with an open ended question to determine the reasons for nonattendance. The open ended question was used to analyse the reason for non-compliance. Atotal of 300 diabetic patients were randomly selected for the study. Of the 300 participants, 151 (50.3%) were compliant. Compliance with doctor's visits was found to be associated with positive behaviour and more knowledge and control. Knowledgeable patients were more satised with the medical services. Fear of stigma associated with diabetes mellitus was found to be associated with demographic variables such as gender, race, marital status, employment status and educational level. The main reasons for noncompliance were lack of information, negligence, busy work schedules and lack of nance.