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SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AS PREDICTORS OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY SCREENING: A Systematic Review.
Abu Bakar Butt1, Faisal Ahmed2, Andrew Mihalache3
1Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.
Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|March 24, 2026
Summary
Sociodemographic factors significantly impact diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening adherence. Older age, higher income, and education increase screening, while employment and ethnicity can be barriers.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Ophthalmology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
- Regular screening is crucial for early detection and management of DR.
- Understanding factors influencing screening adherence is vital for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review how sociodemographic factors affect adherence to diabetic retinopathy screening among individuals with diabetes.
- To identify specific demographic exposures that impact DR screening uptake.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was performed across major databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to November 2024.
- Included studies focused on individuals with diabetes and their DR screening rates.
- Analyzed primary outcome (screening rate) and secondary outcomes (odds ratios/proportions) stratified by sociodemographic factors.
Main Results:
- Thirty-three studies involving over 100,000 participants were analyzed.
- Higher screening adherence was linked to older age, higher education, higher income, and private insurance.
- Lower adherence was associated with employment (especially manual labor/rigid schedules), and disparities were noted in Black and Hispanic populations. Geographic distance was a barrier.
Conclusions:
- Sociodemographic characteristics play a significant role in diabetic retinopathy screening adherence.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address disparities.
- Strengths include broad scope; limitations include heterogeneity and reliance on self-reported data.
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