Eye check-up practice and its associated factors among adult diabetic patients attending primary hospitals of Central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2024: a cross-sectional multicentre study

Objectives This study aimed to assess eye check-up practice and associated factors among patients with diabetes attending primary hospitals in the Central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Design A multicentre hospital-based cross-sectional study. Setting This study was conducted at primary hospitals in Central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, from 10 June 2024 to 10 July 2024. Participants The study included 689 consecutive adult patients with diabetes who met the inclusion criteria. Primary and secondary outcome measures Participants were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus by a general practitioner. Optometrists conducted interviews, reviewed medical records and administered a pretested, structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify associated factors, with significance considered at a p<0.05 and 95% CI. Results A total of 689 participants were involved in this study, with a response rate of 98.4%. The proportion of good eye check-up practice was 20.6% (95% CI: 17.6% to 23.8%). Factors associated with good eye check-up practice included urban residence (adjusted OR, AOR=4.10, 95% CI: 1.72 to 9.82), diabetes duration of 12+ years (AOR=4.98, 95% CI: 1.43 to 17.38), previous eye disease (AOR=3.78, 95% CI: 1.79 to 7.95), good knowledge of diabetic retinopathy (AOR=3.22, 95% CI: 1.42 to 7.29), higher family income (AOR=3.80, 95% CI: 1.27 to 11.36), referral from a diabetic clinic (AOR=3.48, 95% CI: 1.58 to 7.67) and a favourable attitude (AOR=3.75, 95% CI: 1.46 to 9.65). Conclusions This study revealed a low proportion of good eye check-up practices among patients with diabetes. Urban residency, longer duration of diabetes, higher income, clinic referrals, history of eye disease, knowledge of diabetic retinopathy and a favourable attitude were significantly associated with good eye check-up practices. Therefore, targeted health education and strengthened referral systems are recommended to improve regular eye check-up practices among individuals with diabetes.