Abstract
The study aim is to investigate characteristics, barriers and enablers for attendance at the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme Northern Ireland (DESPNI) among people with diabetes aged 12–26 years. A mixed-methods approach with retrospective analysis and prospective, questionnaire-based data collection was completed. Data were analysed using ordinal logistic regression. A questionnaire collected information on barriers and enablers to attending DESPNI. Age, diabetes duration, attendance at diabetes clinic and lower HbA1c values were significantly associated with better attendance. Those aged 12–15 were more likely to attend screening than 16–26 years, odds ratio (OR) 4.01. Subjects diagnosed less than 5 years were more likely to attend than those with longer diabetes duration (OR = 2.52, p =< 0.001). Subjects who attended diabetes clinics were more likely to attend screening (OR = 1.89, p =< 0.001) and have a lower HbA1c (OR = 1.46, p =< 0.001). Questionnaires revealed major barriers to attendance which included inconvenient appointment times, lack of access and poor communication. While many subjects were aware of the impact of diabetes on the eye, many had little understanding of screening. This study provides pivotal information on potential barriers and enablers for young people attending eye screening. We suggest modest changes such as convenient appointment times, clearer communication and one-stop clinics could improve attendance.
Highlights
Among the 1.87 million people living in Northern Ireland (NI), approximately 112,000 have diabetes mellitus, an increase of 62% in 10 years [1]
diabetic retinopathy (DR) often leads to vision impairment and blindness early detection through diabetic eye screening programmes (DESPs) and timely treatment has been shown to be effective at preventing sight loss
A Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) in NI was established in 2008 offering annual eye screening services to individuals with diabetes
Summary
Among the 1.87 million people living in Northern Ireland (NI), approximately 112,000 have diabetes mellitus, an increase of 62% in 10 years [1]. DR often leads to vision impairment and blindness early detection through diabetic eye screening programmes (DESPs) and timely treatment has been shown to be effective at preventing sight loss. The programme aims to ‘detect diabetic eye disease at an early stage and prevent sight loss in those with diabetes aged 12 years and over in NI’. It is a regional system, which is commissioned, and quality assured by the Public Health Agency and is delivered by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
