Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2025

Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
10:32

Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model

Published on: April 2, 2021

3.4K

Social Determinants of Health Affecting Retinopathy of Prematurity Follow-up Attendance

Jacob I Strelnikov, John Burkland, Alexander S Plattner

    Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
    |January 3, 2025
    PubMed

    Insights

    Social determinants of health impact follow-up care for preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Addressing these factors is crucial for improving vision health equity and adherence to ROP follow-up appointments.

    Area of Science:

    • Ophthalmology
    • Public Health
    • Neonatology

    Background:

    • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of vision impairment in preterm infants.
    • Consistent follow-up care after neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge is critical for managing ROP and preventing vision loss.
    • Social determinants of health (SDOH) can significantly influence healthcare access and adherence to medical recommendations.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To identify social determinants of health (SDOH) associated with follow-up attendance for preterm infants diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
    • To analyze factors influencing ophthalmology follow-up adherence after neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective cohort study of preterm infants screened for ROP between July 2018 and December 2022.
    • Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from a NICU database.
    • Community-level SDOH indices were derived from residential ZIP codes; multivariable logistic regression analyzed follow-up attendance within 8 weeks to 1 year post-NICU discharge.

    Main Results:

    • Only 42% of patients attended follow-up within the specified interval.
    • Higher odds of follow-up attendance were associated with private insurance, maternal non-Hispanic White identity, ROP treatment history, and longer NICU stays.
    • An interaction effect showed privately insured patients had lower follow-up odds with increasing Social Vulnerability Index Racial and Ethnic Minority Status.

    Conclusions:

    • Individual and community-level SDOH significantly affect access to ROP follow-up care.
    • The study highlights disparities in follow-up adherence, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
    • Improving vision health equity requires addressing SDOH to enhance follow-up adherence in ROP management.
    Abstract

    More Related Videos

    Author Spotlight: Understanding Retinal Vessel Resilience and Disease Progression04:36

    Author Spotlight: Understanding Retinal Vessel Resilience and Disease Progression

    Published on: January 12, 2024

    1.0K
    Optimization of the Retinal Vein Occlusion Mouse Model to Limit Variability07:23

    Optimization of the Retinal Vein Occlusion Mouse Model to Limit Variability

    Published on: August 6, 2021

    2.6K

    Related Concept Videos

    Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways01:22

    Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

    At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category,...
    5.6K
    The Retina01:32

    The Retina

    The retina is a layer of nervous tissue at the back of the eye that transduces light into neural signals. This process, called phototransduction, is carried out by rod and cone photoreceptor cells in the back of the retina.
    67.5K
    Regression Toward the Mean01:52

    Regression Toward the Mean

    Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when...
    6.3K
    Preventive Healthcare Services01:30

    Preventive Healthcare Services

    Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:
    960