Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes seen by unscheduled demand: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes, from a Brazilian capital city, and to correlate with the risk factors present in the studied population.

Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study, based on the report of care provided by a campaign, in 2018. The report was filled out by ophthalmologists during the joint effort, with information on patient’s gender, age, classification of diabetes mellitus, duration of illness, use of insulin, body mass index, lifestyle (smoking and physical activity), history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, myocardial infarction, stroke, and the clinical ophthalmic examination.

Results:

Among the 219 study participants, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 31.96%. The variables considered risk factors with statistical significance were male sex, age 51-70 years, diabetes mellitus for over 10 years, insulin therapy, body mass index ≥40 kg/m², and previous history of myocardial infarction. The physical activity proved to be a significant protective factor.

Conclusion:

Over the years, population studies have proven the geographical variability in prevalence of diabetic retinopathy justified by different exposure to risk factors. Therefore, knowledge of regional characteristics is crucial and emphasized in the text, since it can guide public health policies, aiming to have an impact on reduction of preventable blindness statistics.

Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic retinopathy; Epidemiology; Risk factors; Public health policy