Adherence to annual fundus examinations among Chinese patients with diabetes was low, ranging from 15.3% to 23.6% between 2011 and 2018, and was associated with lower educational attainment (p<0.05).
Observational
Yes
What are the adherence rates and factors associated with annual fundus examinations among the Chinese population with diagnosed diabetes?
Adherence to annual fundus examinations among Chinese patients with diabetes is low and associated with lower educational attainment and insufficient diabetes management.
p-value: p=< 0.05
Adherence to annual fundus examinations in the Chinese population with diabetes and its correlates have not been investigated. The present study obtained data for the first nationally representative survey in China, China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS), which collected a wide range of data every 2 years, including demographic, socioeconomic, medical and lifestyle-related information. The adherence rates to annual fundus exams across four waves (2011−2018) were assessed. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine factors associated with adherence. The adherence rates to annual fundus examinations of ou study population were 23.6% in 2011, 15.3% in 2013, 17.5% in 2015 and 21.5% in 2018, respectively. Consistent results over four waves showed that non-adherent patients had a relatively lower educational level, insufficient diabetes medication use, fewer non-medication treatments and irregular physical examination compared to those who were adherent to the annual fundus exam (all p values < 0.05). These variables were further identified as factors associated with adherence according to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses (all p values < 0.05). The present study provides explicit evidence that the adherence rate to annual fundus examinations among Chinese population with diabetes is worryingly low. Insufficient educational attainment, especially specific diabetes education, has a negative impact on patients’ adherence to clinical guideline for eye health.
Zhou et al. (Mon,) conducted a observational in Diagnosed Diabetes. Annual fundus examinations vs. Non-adherence was evaluated on Adherence rates to annual fundus examinations and associated factors (p=< 0.05). Adherence to annual fundus examinations among Chinese patients with diabetes was low, ranging from 15.3% to 23.6% between 2011 and 2018, and was associated with lower educational attainment (p<0.05).