PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSIVE RETINOPATHY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS ON FOLLOW-UP AT A SELECTED FEDERAL HOSPITAL, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA, 2023 G.C.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Hypertensive retinopathy is one of the commonest complications of hypertensive patients that cause eyesight disorders or vision loss. Worldwide, the prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy was estimated to be as high as 75%. Despite it’s remarkable burden, there are limited studies in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hypertensive retinopathy in selected federal hospitals in Addis Ababa. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy and associated factors among hypertensive patients on follow-up at selected federal hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2023 G.C. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 6, 2023, to April 5, 2023 G.C. The study was carried out among hypertensive patients in St. Paul’s hospital, Millennium Medical College, and St. Peter’s specialized hospital. A systematic random sampling was performed to select study participants, and data were collected face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. Data was entered into Epi-Info version 7.20 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were employed. Independent variables with a p-value ≤0.25 in bivariable logistic regression analysis were considered for multivariable logistic regression. Using a p-value ≤ 0.05 and 95% CI with the respective adjusted odds ratio, the degree of association of each independent variable with the outcome variable was implemented. Results: Data was collected from 312 participants, of whom 61.2% were male. The prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy was found to be 8%, where 3.8% had grade 1 hypertensive retinopathy, 2.2% had grade 2 hypertensive retinopathy, 1.3% had grade 3 hypertensive retinopathy, and 0.7% had grade 4 hypertensive retinopathy. Being ≥76 years old (AOR=4.27, 95% CI, 2.01, 11.76), having ≥16 years of living with hypertension (AOR=2.26, CI=95% 2.11, 5.32), obesity (AOR=0.18, CI=95%, 0.05-0.24), family history of hypertension (AOR=3.56, CI=95%, 2.78, 7.61), hyperlipidemia (AOR=0.54, CI=95%, 0.042-0.82), and presence of other heart disease (AOR=0.82, CI=95%, 0.06, 0.97). Conclusion & recommendation: The prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy among hypertensive patients was low and was significantly influenced by higher age, obesity, family history of the disease, long duration of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, vii and co-existing heart problems. A recommendation was given on prevention, follow up, and early diagnosis, as well as management and conducting further study in both study areas. Keywords: Hypertensive retinopathy, hypertension, vision loss, prevalence, associated factors, SPHMMC, SPH