Medknow Publications and Staff Society of Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
Abstract
Background: Diabetes and its related microvascular complications like
diabetic retinopathy (DR) are showing increased prevalence in India.
However, the magnitude of DR in rural population with diabetes needs
exploration. Aim: To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for the
presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy in the self-reported
rural population with diabetes. Settings and Design: In a
cross-sectional study, a total of 26,519 participants (age ≥ 30
years) attended 198 diabetic retinopathy screening camps conducted in
three southern districts of Tamilnadu, India, between February 2004 and
April 2006. Materials and Methods: All the participants underwent a
dilated eye examination to detect DR by indirect ophthalmoscopy.
Systemic and ocular risk factor estimation was done in a comprehensive
examination. Statistical Analysis: Univariate and stepwise regression
analyses were done to identify the independent risk factors associated
with the presence and severity of retinopathy. Results: The prevalence
of diabetic retinopathy was 17.6% among the self-reported rural
population with diabetes. The prevalence of referable (sight
threatening) retinopathy was 5.3%. Risk factors associated with the
development of any DR were male gender (OR= 1.37), longer duration of
diabetes (per year, OR= 1.07), lean body mass index (OR= 1.30), higher
systolic blood pressure (per 10 mm Hg, OR= 1.18), and insulin treatment
(OR= 1.34; P < 0.0001). Risk factors associated with referable
retinopathy included longer duration of diabetes (per year, OR= 1.22),
lean body mass index (OR= 1.25), higher systolic blood pressure (per 10
mm Hg, OR= 1.03), and insulin treatment (OR= 1.36; P <
0.0001).Conclusion: The study identified risk factors associated with
DR in the rural population with diabetes. The results suggested that
there was a need for formulating effective preventive strategies to
minimize avoidable blindness due to diabetes, in rural areas
