Rationale and Methodology for a Community-Based Study of Diabetic Retinopathy in an Indonesian Population with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Jogjakarta Eye Diabetic Study in the Community

ABSTRACT

Purpose: There are no available data about diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the Indonesian population. This report summarizes the rationale and study design of the Jogjakarta Eye Diabetic Study in the Community (JOGED.COM), a community-based study to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of DR in persons with type 2 diabetes in Jogjakarta, Indonesia.

Methods: The JOGED.COM aimed to examine a cross-sectional sample of 1200 persons with type 2 diabetes aged 30 years and older residing in the study area. We identified 121 community health centers (CHCs) in Jogjakarta and listed 35 CHCs with non-communicable diseases facilities. Multi-stage, clustered random sampling was used to select 22 CHCs randomly. We included CHCs with coverage population >30,000, and excluded those classified as 100% rural. Lists of persons with diabetes confirmed by their family physician were provided from each CHC. Examinations procedures included detailed interviews, general and eye examinations, anthropometry and body composition scan, and dilated fundus photography.

Results: We collaborated with local health authorities, family physicians, and local health practitioners in the recruitment phase. A total of 1435 invitations were distributed, and 1184 people (82.5%) with type 2 diabetes participated in this study, of whom 1138 (79.3%) had completed data with gradable retinal images.

Conclusions: JOGED.COM is the first epidemiologic study of DR in an Indonesian population. This study will provide key information about the prevalence and risk factors of DR in the community. These data are very important for future health promotion programs to reduce the burden of DR in the population.

KEYWORDS:

• Community-based study
• diabetic retinopathy
• methodology
• type 2 diabetes

Acknowledgment

We thank the LHA Jogjakarta Province for their technical assistance.

Declaration of interest

SPK is the Senior Program Manager for Eye Health Programs in Helen Keller International (HKI) in Indonesia and PG is the Country Director of HKI in Indonesia. None of the other authors have any proprietary interests or conflicts of interest related to this submission.

Funding

This study received Technical and Operational Support from Helen Keller International (HKI), and received partial funding from the community fund of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Additional information

Funding

This study received Technical and Operational Support from Helen Keller International (HKI), and received partial funding from the community fund of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada.