Dr.Kirti Singh, K04958
Aim: To assess adherence profile of glaucoma patients and reasons for lack of same.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire based study was conducted in 200 glaucoma patients. Adherence was confirmed by used bottle count. Scores were given for treatment characteristics (TS), Knowledge & attitude (KA), instillation techniques (IT) and adherence (A-Score).
Results: Patient profile: age 56 + 14 years, 62% literacy, 40% earning, 20% lost one eye to glaucoma. Almost 2/3rd patients did not experience side effects but 1/3rd failed objective adherence test. Reasons cited were forgetfulness 70%, fatigue 37% and cost 26%. White coat adherence was 26%. Education was significantly correlated to knowledge of the disease.
Conclusion: This study offers insight that adherence issues, in a mostly educated cohort, with 50% understanding disease gravity, still remains a significant barrier with 56% preferring a surgical alternative.
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