Diabetic Retinopathy and Its Associated Factors Among Type Two Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious sight‐threatening microvascular complication of type two diabetes mellitus. Globally, it is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss. Ninety‐three million people live with diabetic retinopathy suffer some sort of eye damage worldwide. Objective To assess the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and its associated factors among type two diabetes mellitus patients who attend diabetic unit of Hiwot Fana Specialized Hospital, 2021. Methods An institutional based cross‐sectional study was conducted among type two diabetes mellitus patients. The data were collected using semi structured questionnaire and direct eye examination with Slit‐Lamp bio‐microscopy. “Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with diabetic retinopathy, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) reported. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05”. Results The prevalence of DR was 27.6% with 95% CI (22%–34%). Being less than 60 years old (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.84), having comorbid hypertension (AOR = 8.63, 95% CI: 2.51, 29.75), glycemic control less than seven (AOR = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.28), having family history of DM (AOR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.02, 10.67), less than 5 years' diabetes duration (AOR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.61) were factors significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among T2DM patients in Eastern Ethiopia. Key associated factors included duration of diabetes, older age and poor glycemic control. These findings highlight the urgent need for routine ophthalmologic screening and targeted diabetes education in this population.