Home > Review Articles > Screening > Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy in Northland, New Zealand: 2011–2012

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy in Northland, New Zealand: 2011–2012

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 47
Authors:
  • Papali’i-Curtin AT et al.
Summary:

This article reports rates of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy detected by the Northland Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme. Data were analysed from 7098 screenings from 5647 diabetics, representing approximately 77% of the total number of diagnosed diabetics in Northland. The two main ethnic study groups were NZ European (56.5%) and Māori (39.3%). Retinopathy was present in 19% of the overall population: minimal non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) was diagnosed in 13.6%, NPDR in 5.4% and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in 0.4%. Of the NPDR cohort, 57% were Māori and 38% were European, while in the PDR cohort, 50% were Māori and 45% were European. Maculopathy was present in 11%. Maculopathy requiring treatment was present in 1.4% (Māori 48%, European 44%). The mean failure-to-attend rate was 31%.

Comment:
As they point out in the paper, there are many successful screening programmes in rural and Māori communities (i.e., breast screening in Northland is said to reach more than 90% of eligible women); perhaps retinal screening could learn from, if not tag onto, these.
Reference: N Z Med J 2013;126(1383):20-8
Abstract
Download Article
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

Related Articles

The use of blood biomarkers in lung cancer screening in Aotearoa New Zealand: a cross-sectional survey of Māori perspectives and preferences
The use of blood biomarkers in lung cancer screening in Aotearoa New Zealand: a cross-sectional survey of Māori perspectives and preferences

A cross-sectional survey of Māori found that participants generally supported using blood samples in lung

Find out more
Journey towards piloting Helicobacter pyloriscreen-and-treat to address health inequitie sin Aotearoa New Zealand
Journey towards piloting Helicobacter pyloriscreen-and-treat to address health inequitie sin Aotearoa New Zealand

A paper reviewing H. pylori infection, sequelae and testing in New Zealand has suggested there

Find out more
Transitioning to office-based transperineal prostate biopsy – a case study from a regional New Zealand hospital in economic and environmental sustainability
Transitioning to office-based transperineal prostate biopsy – a case study from a regional New Zealand hospital in economic and environmental sustainability

A study integrating retrospective and prospective data analyses has found that office based transperineal prostate

Find out more
View All Reviews

Explore Māori Health Reviews

Dive into our publications and videos content from over 50 areas of medicine including Cardiology, Diabetes, Oncology, Haematology and Psychiatry. 

Reviews

It looks like you are closest to our Australia site.

Australia
Australia
Stay on this site
Find Reviews in Your Clinical Area
Please select your country of practice.
New Zealand
Australia
Terms and Conditions

Website terms of use 

By using our website, you agree to follow these terms and conditions. 

 

Privacy policy 

We take your privacy seriously. To understand how we collect, use, and protect your information, please read our Privacy Policy, which is part of these terms. 

 

Copyright and use of website content 

The content of our website is protected by copyright, trademarks, and other legal rights. You can: view, download, or print a single copy of content for your personal or professional use. 

You cannot:  copy, modify, or distribute website content, or use our website content for commercial purposes or in other works without permission. 

 

Links to third-party websites 

The Research Review website may link to third-party websites for your convenience. However: 

We do not endorse or approve their products, services, or actions. 

We are not responsible for their content or how they operate. 

There is no formal partnership between us and third parties unless we clearly state otherwise. 

 

Disclaimer and limitation of liability 

We do our best to keep the information on our website accurate, but we do not guarantee that it is always correct or up to date. 

To the fullest extent allowed by law, we are not responsible for: 

Any loss, damage, or costs you may suffer from using (or being unable to use) our website. 

Any decisions you make based on the information provided. 

Any business losses, such as lost profits, lost data, or business interruptions. 

 

Governing law 

These terms are governed by New Zealand law. If there is a dispute, it must be resolved in a New Zealand court.