Prevalence and Risk Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy in Changwat Phrae

Abstract

This cross - sectional, analytical study was aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients in Phrae province. In all, 3,513 patients in 7 community hospitals and 10 primary care units in Amphoe Muaeng were selected during October 2006 - September 2007. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 24.9 percent, which consisted of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy 22.8 percent, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy 2.1 percent. The significant risk factors were age, duration of diabetes, blood glucose level and hypertension. The patients with DR presented in a significantly higher number than those without DR. The factors associated with DR (adjusted Odds ratio-OR, 95% CI) were age ≥ 45 years 1.689 (1.282, 2.224), duration of diabetes ≥ 5 years 2.396 (2.053, 2.796) hypertension 1.344 (1.155, 1.565) and uncontrolled of blood glucose level 1.424 (1.175, 1.726) when compared with controlled of blood glucose level. So that regular screening program in community hospitals and primary care units could provide early detection and early treatment which were necessary to prevent and delay DR complications.