How Sociodemographics Affect Clinical Presentation in Patients with Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment (Epidemiological Study in Tertiary Hospital, East Java, Indonesia)

Abstract

There has been very limited information on sociodemographic data of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively explain the relationship between sociodemographic factors with clinical presentation of RRD. The study involved 119 patients conducted from medical records at Vitreo-Retinal Clinic in one of the tertiary hospitals in East Java, Indonesia, in 2023. The data consist of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior-posterior segment examination, complete socio-demographic data (age, sex, education level, time between first symptoms and consultation, residence distance) and analyzed with Chi-Square analysis. This study found patients with higher education levels tend to present earlier to an ophthalmologist (p= 0.004). This study also found that patients who presented early to an ophthalmologist more likely to have milder PVR grade (p= 0.000) and better BCVA at initial presentation (p= 0.000). No relation was found between residence distance with clinical presentation (p> 0.05). This study found education level is associated with patient's early presentation to an ophthalmologist. Furthermore, time intervals between first symptoms and consultation are significantly associated with milder PVR grade and better BCVA at initial presentation. The study suggests improvements in education level and health promotion about RRD in primary care settings in Indonesia.