PREVALENCE AND FACTORS IN DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IN OBESE FEMALES PRESENTING AT LADY READING HOSPITALS

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a disease that does not exhibit symptoms in the early stages, which makes early detection crucial. To prevent new cases of blindness caused by inadequate management, a systematic approach to DR screening and a follow-up care system are required. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its related variables in patients with diabetes treated at Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. Materials & Methods: Patients in this descriptive cross-sectional study, who were diabetes patients between the ages of 30 and 60, were treated at Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar. Patients with a diagnosis of either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus, complete medical records, and the ability to give informed permission were the requirements for inclusion. Patients with insufficient medical data, individuals who were pregnant, patients with additional retinal illnesses, and patients who refused to give consent were all excluded. With an emphasis on demographics, comorbidities, lifestyle factors, and clinical data, data was gathered through structured interviews, physical examinations, and inspections of medical records. Examinations of the eyes verified the existence of DR. Using chi-square tests, logistic regression analysis, and descriptive statistics, SPSS software version 24.0 was used to analyze the data with sample size 121 patients. Results: Patients with DR had a lower prevalence of cardiovascular illnesses (6%) compared to those without (51%), with a p-value of 0.001. Significant correlations were found between DR and high blood pressure (36.7% vs. 5.7%, p=0.002) and inflammation (42.4% vs. 7.9%, p=0.001). A strong correlation was seen between DR and higher parity (>2 children) (50% vs. 16.9%, p=0.006). Significant variables included being older (46-60 years, 52.9% vs. 30-45 years, 17.2%, p=0.003), married (55.5% vs. single, 0%, p=0.004), and a housewife (31.1% vs. employed, 5.6%, p=0.025). There was no significant correlation found between smoking status and p=0.283. Conclusion: Inflammation, higher parity, age, married status, and homemaker status were all found to be significant risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in the study. In order to reduce the risk of DR, these findings emphasize the necessity of focused screening and management programs for at-risk populations. Reducing the prevalence of diabetes-related disorders (DR) in patients may need careful blood pressure control as well as managing inflammation.