By Dr Mairead O’Connor, Research Officer, National Screening Service
We’ve examined the findings of new research to understand knowledge of, and attitudes towards, diabetic retina screening by socio-economic group in Ireland. 330 people with diabetes, or who have a partner, close relative or child with diabetes, took part in the online survey.
Diabetic RetinaScreen is our free national eye screening programme for a serious eye disease called diabetic retinopathy in people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes aged 12 years and older. There is an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy for people with low incomes and/or who live in deprived areas.
Survey respondents were categorised into high socio-economic group (n=213) and low socio-economic group (n=117).
Knowledge of diabetic retinopathy
- 52% of survey respondents in the high socio-economic group said they had a good level of knowledge of diabetic retinopathy compared to 46% of those in the low socio-economic group.
- 65% of those in the high socio-economic group were familiar with the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy compared to 56% of those in the low socio-economic group.
Barriers
Survey participants were asked what they thought the main barriers or challenges might be to attend for screening. with Diabetic RetinaScreen.
- 28% of those in the high socio-economic group said a lack of awareness regarding access to diabetic retina screening might be a barrier. This compares to 19% of those in the low socio-economic group.
- 24% of those in the high socio-economic group said being unable to get an appointment for diabetic retina screening might be a barrier, compared to 13% of those in the low socio-economic group.
- 20% of those in the high socio-economic group said being unable to get time off work or school to attend for screening might be a barrier, compared to 9% of those in the low socio-economic group.
- 33% of survey respondents in the high socio-economic group said a fear of finding something wrong could be a barrier to attend for screening. This was higher among those in the low socio-economic group at 41%.
Motivators
Respondents were also asked what they thought the main motivations to attending for diabetic retina screening are.
- Half (50%) of survey respondents in the low socio-economic group said receiving an invitation letter was a motivator to attend for screening. This was lower among those in the high socio-economic group at 39%.
- 39% of respondents in the low socio-economic group said receiving advice from their GP or other health professional was a motivator to attend for screening. This compared to almost half (49%) of those in the high socio-economic group.
Next steps
This is helping to inform and plan our communications and health promotion initiatives to improve knowledge about diabetic retinopathy and reduce fear, particularly in the low socio-economic group. Practical barriers to attending for screening (e.g. unable to get time off work or school) may need to be addressed. The differences in perceived barriers and motivators in lower and higher socio-economic groups are taken into account when designing communication campaigns to encourage participation in Diabetic RetinaScreen.
- This research was presented by Dr Mairead O’Connor, Research Officer, National Screening Service at the SPHeRE network 10th annual conference in Dublin on 29 February 2024.
- The research was carried out in June 2023 by Behaviour & Attitudes, on behalf of the National Screening Service.
- The sample was categorised into high and low socio-economic group based on the UK NRS Social Grades classification. Survey response data were analysed by Chi-squared test.
- Diabetic RetinaScreen is our national eye screening programme which aims to find and treat serious eye disease (retinopathy) in people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It’s for people with diabetes aged 12 years and older. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes caused by high sugar levels which can damage the back of the eye (the retina). If it’s not found or left untreated it can cause sight loss over time. When retinopathy is found early, treatment is effective at reducing or preventing damage to eyesight.
- You can register for Diabetic RetinaScreen online. Your GP or healthcare professional can also register you.
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