Analysis of a comprehensive diabetic retinopathy screening model for rural and urban diabetics in developing countries.
OBJECTIVE
To present an analysis of a screening model for diabetic retinopathy and compare the results of screening between rural and urban populations.


METHODS
Between June 2003 and September 2004, 51 diabetic retinopathy screening camps (rural, 25; urban, 26) were conducted in three southern districts of India. The target population, aged 30 years and above, underwent comprehensive eye evaluation and those with referable diabetic retinopathy (proliferative diabetic retinopathy, severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, severe diabetic macular oedema, or a combination of these) were referred to the base hospital for further treatment.


RESULTS
Among 7716 diabetic subjects, the age and sex adjusted prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 18% in the rural areas and 17% in the urban areas. The prevalence of referable retinopathy was 6.8% in rural areas and 4.6% in urban areas (p<0.001). Around 63% of individuals in rural areas and 75% in urban areas had never previously had their eyes examined for diabetic retinopathy. Multivariate analysis revealed the following risk factors for diabetic retinopathy: age more than 50 years, known diabetes, prolonged duration of diabetes, and eyes with moderate or severe visual impairment (p<0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
The study describes a comprehensive diabetic retinopathy screening model which can identify sight threatening retinopathy and provide necessary treatment for rural and urban populations.
Rani
Padmaja Kumari
PK
Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Project, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Raman
Rajiv
R
Sharma
Vikranth
V
Mahuli
Sachin Vasant
SV
Tarigopala
Arokiasamy
A
Sudhir
R R
RR
Kumaramanickavel
Govindasamy
G
Sharma
Tarun
T
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003906:Developing Countries; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D008875:Middle Aged; D017146:Models, Organizational; D018579:Patient Selection; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data