Compliance to Glaucoma Medication and its effect on Treatment regime

Lynne Bodle, Jamie Craig, Julie-Anne Little

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: Long-term treatment compliance to a chronic asymptomatic condition is a demanding taskfor many patients. Treating progressive glaucoma can also be confounding for physicians, particularly when management relies on assumption of compliance. This study aims to investigate the relationship between self-reported compliance and frequency of medication changes due to glaucoma progression.Methods: 128 participants with primary open angle glaucoma were recruited from glaucoma clinics in Flinders Eye Centre, South Australia and completed confidential questionnaires. Information was obtained regarding beliefs about glaucoma and their treatment. Compliance was assessed using Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MARS). Medical records were analyzed for the number of medication changes, due to glaucoma progression.Results: Compliance to topical glaucoma medication was found in 41.4% (MARS = 0). Data were analysed for behaviors affecting compliance, history of compliance and reasons for changing compliance. Qualitative data and detailed responses were collated from all participants. There was no significant relationship between compliance and changes in medication regime (Chi-squared test for independence), however a significantly lower compliance was detected if participantshad difficulties with their drop regime (p = 0.001) and participants who had help with dropinsertion at home. (p = 0.015).Conclusion: Using a questionnaire and sympathetic questioning, confidential from their treating physician, higher non-compliance was revealed than in previous studies. Qualitative data indicated availability of ongoing glaucoma education and counselling would be a valuable adjunctive resource alongside medical treatment. Development of a simple validated questionnaireis also needed for assessing glaucoma medication compliance, so an individual tailored approach to non-compliance can be developed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnknown Host Publication
PublisherJohn Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pages74-129
Number of pages55
Volume42
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 30 Nov 2014
EventRoyal Australian & New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists Annual Congress - Brisbane, Australia
Duration: 30 Nov 2014 → …

Conference

ConferenceRoyal Australian & New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists Annual Congress
Period30/11/14 → …

Keywords

  • glaucoma
  • medication compliance
  • ophthalmology

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