Knowing the User: Using the integrated Behavior Model to Understand the Barriers and Motivations in Diabetic Retinopathy Eye Screening

Abstract

In the United States, Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in diabetic adults (Garrett, 2002). DR is usually asymptomatic until it progresses to later stages, culminating in vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR). Treatment for this condition is 95% effective if discovered early, but screening compliance is poor (Lee, et al., 2003). The Integrated Behavior Model (IBM) is a model that predicts not only the intention to behave but also environmental constraints that may affect the behavior itself. A survey was developed using this model’s framework to understand impediments and motives for eye screening of diabetic people with different types of insurance. The interviews from this study will give a thorough understanding of the potential barriers and facilitators to diabetic eye screening, for those who are at high risk of VTDR. This understanding will contribute to the development of an interface to support the process of eye care coordination regarding DR.