Exploring factors associated with diabetic retinopathy treatment compliance behaviour in Cape Town, South Africa
Loading...
Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MPDI
Abstract
Complete patient adherence to treatment for diabetic retinopathy (DR) is critical to limit
vision loss. There is a dearth of evidence regarding the reasons why South African patients referred
for suspected vision-threatening DR stay compliant to or default their treatment. The current study
sought to explore factors associated with treatment compliance among patients living with diabetes
who have been referred for suspected vision-threatening DR in the Northern/Tygerberg sub-Structure
(NTSS) public health care system of Cape Town, South Africa. A qualitative research approach was
used where semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 adult patients living with
DR, and 2 key informants who are primary eye care providers. Thematic data analysis was conducted
using taguette.org. Fear of going blind was the most notable patient-related factor associated with
compliance. Notable patient-related barriers reported were forgetfulness and a poor state of health.
Notable institution-related barriers included suboptimal information received from health care
service providers, poor referral management by the organisation delivering retinal screening services,
as well as the inaccessibility of the main NTSS hospital via telephone calls. All these factors were
confirmed by the key informants of the current study.
Description
Keywords
Diabetes mellitus, Diabetic retinopathy, Compliance behaviour, Retinal screening, Cape Town
Citation
Wentzel, A., & Mchiza, Z. J.R. (2021). Exploring factors associated with diabetic retinopathy treatment compliance behaviour in Cape Town, South Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(22), 12209. 10.3390/ijerph182212209