Korean J Fam Pract.  2021 Jun;11(3):177-183. 10.21215/kjfp.2021.11.3.177.

Features Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Diabetes: The Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

• Kim HS
• Lee J
• Gill ES

• KMID: 2516841
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2021.11.3.177

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of older adults with diabetes associated with diabetic retinopathy (DMR).
Methods
This study included 483 diabetic patients older than 40 years who underwent ophthalmic fundus examination as part of the Seventh KNHANES VII, 2017. The characteristics of older adults and middle-aged patients with DMR were compared and statistically analyzed using a complex sampling design. The continuous variables were analyzed using the independent t-test, and the categorical variables were analyzed using the Rao-Scott chi-squared test.
Results
Some significant characteristics were observed in the older adults with DMR. These included the year of diagnosis of diabetes (55.5±1.82 vs. 44.9±1.6, P=0.0001), employment status (38.7±7.73 vs. 86.8±6.16%, P=0.0003), level of education, current smoking status, comorbidity of hypertension, concentration of HbA1C, and FBS.
Conclusion
Diabetic patients older than 60 years living in Korea were fragile and unable to maintain healthy behaviors and quality of life due to a relatively lower socioeconomic status, lack of assistance, increased comorbidities, and, consequently, greater risks of visual impairment. To improve their health behavior, it is necessary to implement health care services with special facilities targeted at their needs.

Keyword

Diabetes; Diabetic Retinopathy; The Elderly; Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey