Factors Influencing the Level of Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus / 기본간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was a descriptive survey research to identify whether characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, their knowledge about diabetes, and self-care behavior impacted on the level of diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Participants were 133 patients who had type 2 diabetes mellitus and were being seen at a hospital in Korea. The scale for knowledge about diabetes had 24 items, the scale for self-care behavior, 20 items, and the level of diabetic retinopathy was classified according to the international clinical diabetic retinopathy severity measurement standards. RESULTS: The influence of the independent variables on the level of diabetic retinopathy showed that age, job, time since onset of Diabetes Mellitus, regular ophthalmologic examinations, and systolic blood pressure were identified as factors affecting the level of diabetic retinopathy. The explanation power of this regression model was 23.0% and it was statistically significant (F=5.42, p<.001). CONCLUSION: Early education about occurrence of diabetes related diseases, specifically diabetic retinopathy should be provided for patients from younger ages. Moreover, for disease management, social support is needed from co-workers and friends. Efforts to encouraged prevention and delay of diabetic retinopathy should include control of blood sugar and blood pressure.