Ethnic disparities in progression rates for sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy in diabetic eye screening: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors' conclusion
Ethnic disparities exist in a health system limited by capacity rather than patient economic circumstances. Diabetic retinopathy at first screen is a strong determinant of STDR development. By using basic demographic characteristics, screening programmes or clinical practices can stratify risk for sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy development.
Study context
- Population
- People living with diabetes with no retinopathy or non-STDR at baseline in one/both eyes, North East London Diabetic Eye Screening Programme, January 2012 to December 2021
- Participants
- 137,591 people
- Exposure
- Sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) incidence by baseline retinopathy, ethnicity and age
- Outcome
- Incidence of STDR
- Follow-up
- Median 5.4 years (IQR 2.8-8.2)
Methodological detailsCox models
- Cox models
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Incident STDR
Hazard ratio (95% CI)P value
Non-STDR in one eyevs No retinopathy
3.03(2.91–3.15)
P < 0.001Non-STDR in both eyesvs No retinopathy
7.88(7.59–8.18)
P < 0.001Blackvs White
1.57(1.50–1.64)
South Asianvs White
1.36(1.31–1.42)
- Incident STDR cases
- 16 388
- STDR rate per 100 person-years
- 2.214 (95% CI 2.214 to 2.215)
- Reduction in STDR hazards per 5-year increase in age at inclusion (p<0.001)
- 8%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Ethnic disparities in progression rates for sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy in diabetic eye screening: a population-based retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. Published 10 November 2023. doi:10.
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