A Cross-Sectional Study of Ocular Changes in Children and Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus in Selected Health Facilities in Ghana

Vera A. Essuman, Naa N. Tagoe, Akye Essuman, Benjamin Abaidoo, Josephine Akpalu, Harold A. Sackey, Charles F. Hayfron-Benjamin, George Asare, Albert G. B. Amoah, Thomas A. Ndanu, Imelda D. B. Ofori-Adjei, Nana A. Barnes, Benedicta L. Appiah-Thompson and Winfried M. Amoaku
Additional contact information
Vera A. Essuman: Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box GP 4236, Ghana
Naa N. Tagoe: Eye Department, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra P.O. Box 77, Ghana
Akye Essuman: Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box GP 4236, Ghana
Benjamin Abaidoo: Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box GP 4236, Ghana
Josephine Akpalu: Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box GP 4236, Ghana
Harold A. Sackey: Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box GP 4236, Ghana
Charles F. Hayfron-Benjamin: Department of Physiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box GP 4236, Ghana
George Asare: Chemical Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Ghana School of Basic and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Accra P.O. Box GP 4236, Ghana
Albert G. B. Amoah: Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box GP 4236, Ghana
Thomas A. Ndanu: Department of Preventive & Community Dentistry, University of Ghana Dental School, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box GP 4236, Ghana
Imelda D. B. Ofori-Adjei: Eye Department, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra P.O. Box 77, Ghana
Nana A. Barnes: Santa Rosa Community Health, Vista Clinic 3569 Round Barn Circle, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, USA
Benedicta L. Appiah-Thompson: Eye Department, Cape-Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast CT 1363, Ghana
Winfried M. Amoaku: Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DCN), University Hospital, QMC Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-13

Abstract: Background: The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), other diabetes-related ocular changes (e.g., cataracts, corneal ulceration), and non-diabetic ocular disease in Ghanaian children and adolescents. The second objective was to evaluate the relationship between these conditions and age at diagnosis, current age, diabetes mellitus (DM) duration, and participant’s sex. Methods: A cross-sectional study, undertaken by a multidisciplinary team, included a cohort of children and adolescents (4–19 years) with DM recruited from selected health facilities in Ghana, from March 2016 to September 2019, after written informed consent or assent. The cohort will be followed up for 3 years to determine the natural course of the ocular changes, reported later. Participants were examined for all microvascular and macrovascular complications, non-diabetic ocular disease, anthropometric measurements, laboratory characteristics and quality of life issues. Full ocular examination was also undertaken. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25.0) was used for the data analysis. Continuous and categorical variables were presented as mean and standard deviation (SD), median (interquartile range) and as percentages (%), respectively. T-test and Mann–Whitney U test were used in establishing associations. Results: A total of 58 participants were recruited. DR was detected in only 1 out of 58 (1.7%) participants at baseline. Cataracts were the most common ocular finding, detected in 42 (72%) at baseline. Other anterior segment changes observed included blepharitis 46 (79.3%) and tear film instability 38 (65.5%). There was a significant positive association between duration of the DM and the risk of cataract ( p = 0.027). Participants’ age at diagnosis was significantly associated with the presence of prominent corneal nerves ( p = 0.004). Conclusions: DR was uncommon in this cohort of young persons with DM in Ghana. Cataracts, blepharitis and refractive errors were ocular changes commonly observed. All young persons with diabetes should undergo regular eye examination in all clinics where follow-up care is provided.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus; microvascular; ocular complications; retinopathy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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