Perceptions of Barriers to the Uptake of Diabetic Eye Screening Among Diabetic Eye Patients in Owo, Nigeria

Aim: This study aimed at determining the uptake of diabetic eye screening. The barriers to uptake of diabetic eye screening were also identified. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study which was conducted over a year period between October, 2011 and October, 2012 at Federal Medical, Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria among diabetics. The respondents were interviewed with the aid of the study instrument (semi-structured questionnaire). The information obtained included the bio-data of the respondents, history of ocular problems, previous ocular examination and perceived barriers to uptake of diabetic eye screening. The data obtained with the aid of the study instrument (questionnaire) was collated and analyzed with statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 15.0.1 software version. Result: One hundred respondents were enrolled in the study. Most respondents; 63 had diabetic eye screening while 37 did not have it. Majority of the respondents; 30 were informed about the importance of diabetic eye screening by health workers. The major barriers to diabetic eye screening were lack of awareness of its importance; 49 (62.8%) and the fact that some respondents did not see the need; 18 (23.1%). Conclusion: Most respondents had diabetic eye screening. The major barriers to diabetic eye screening were lack of awareness of its importance and the fact that some respondents did not see the need. There is need for collaboration between Physicians and Ophthalmologists so as to ensure that diabetics are promptly referred to Ophthalmologists for comprehensive diabetic eye screening.