Survey of Diabetic Retinopathy awareness among affiliates of a Diabetes Association during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract BackgroundThe onset of diabetic retinopathy (DR) can be reduced by early detection and subsequent treatment. However, the level of awareness about DR screening among people living with diabetes (PLWD) in Trinidad and Tobago is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate DR awareness among affiliates of the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago (DATT) and to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their presentation for screening.MethodsA cross-sectional study of DATT affiliates was conducted between March 19 and April 26, 2021. The questionnaire was administered by distributing a Google Forms link via DATT’s social media and mailing list networks. Responses were imported from an Excel spreadsheet into STATA 17.0 (College Station, Texas) for analysis.ResultsTwo hundred and five of the 283 participants were PLWD, most of whom were over 40 years old (58%, 165/283). Although 58.5% (120/205) of PLWD were aware of DR, less than half (43.4%, 89/205) had presented for at least one DR screening. The top three sources of information for DR screening were a doctor/optometrist (80), the DATT (27) and social media (28). One quarter (67/283) of the participants avoided DR screening due to COVID-19 concerns.ConclusionsGreater awareness of diabetes and DR should be promoted along with screening and treatment options using multiple educational platforms for maximum impact. The public’s concerns about safety should be addressed by highlighting COVID-19 public health measures that are in place at screening locations.