Evaluation of Diabetic Retinopathy Services: A Qualitative Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the reasons behind non-attendance at diabetic eye screening appointments by young men aged 18-25 years old in Belfast, Northern Ireland: A Qualitative Study
IRAS ID
225998
Contact name
Tunde Peto
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfast
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 21 days
Research summary
This study is a descriptive phenomenological (qualitative) study to address the reasons behind the phenomenon of young males living in Belfast choosing not to attend diabetic eye screening.
Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. If poorly controlled, or if the condition has been present for an extended period of time, this can cause many complications. One such complication is a group of conditions known collectively as Diabetic Eye Disease (DED), consisting of Diabetic Retinopathy, and Diabetic Macluopathy. If not managed early, this can cause loss of sight.
Diabetic eye screening is essential in order to detect any signs of early DED. Early treatment vastly improves outcomes.
Participants will be youths selected from patients attending transitional diabetes clinics or laser clinics in the Royal Victoria Hospital. These patient lists will be used alongside Diabetic Eye Screening Program data to identify those who have not attended screening, or who have presented for laser treatment without having attended screening. The selection criteria will be males aged 18-25; living independently from home; with a medical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus; who know about the screening program but have not attended for screening. Individual semi-structured in-depth interviews will be undertaken to answer the research question. Interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed into transcripts with personal data removed.
Analysis will follow the steps of a well known phenomenologist, Giorgi.In order to reduce bias in my data I will declare my background and therefore my viewpoint, as recommended by qualitative researchers.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
17/NI/0080
Date of REC Opinion
2 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion