Magnitude of diabetic retinopathy and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes on follow up at diabetes clinic of Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital, Asella, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus that is among the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. There is a growing concern about diabetic retinopathy in Ethiopia associated with the increasing prevalence of diabetes. Limited studies have been conducted in Ethiopia that evaluated the magnitude of diabetic retinopathy and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes. Thus, we aimed to assess the magnitude of diabetic retinopathy and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes on follow-up at the diabetic clinic of Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital. Methodology: An institution-based cross-sectional study involving 428 patients with type 2 diabetes was conducted at the diabetic clinic of Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A descriptive analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. Bivariate binary logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to determine factors associated with diabetic retinopathy, at α = 0.05 using adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Result Of the 428 participants, 53 (12.4%) had diabetic retinopathy (95% CI: 9.4, 15.9). Dyslipidemia (AOR = 2.538, 95% CI: 1.190, 5.412), poor medication adherence (AOR = 3.706, 95% CI: 1.730, 7.940), presence of other complications of diabetes (AOR = 2.537, 95% CI: 1.10, 5.850) were factors associated with diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, those who exercise regularly (AOR = 0.048, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.565) had lower odds of having retinopathy than their counterpart. Conclusion The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in this study is lower than previous studies. Dyslipidemia, regular exercise, medication adherence, and the presence of other diabetic complications were factors significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy. Health education is recommended to promote exercise self-care and diabetes medication adherence. Early screening for other comorbidities and diabetes complications is also recommended.