Factors Influencing Non-Adherence To Topical Antiglaucoma Medications Among Patients Attending Crystal Eye Clinic, Adenta

ABSTRACT Background: Non-adherence to topical anti-glaucoma medication is associated with worse clinical outcomes which can have negative impacts on therapeutic choices by clinicians. Additionally, variations in dosing patterns whether it is missed doses, mistimed doses, or overdosing can lead to less lowering of IOP (intraocular pressure) and/or an increase in side effects that diminish the tolerability of the therapy. This survey seeks to determine the factors that influence non-adherence to topical anti-glaucoma therapy among clients accessing the Crystal Eye Clinic at Adenta in order to help inform policies on appropriate treatment strategies. General Aim: To determine the factors that influence non-adherence to topical antiglaucoma medication among patients attending the Crystal Eye Clinic at Adenta. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study using a quantitative method to determine the factors that influence non-adherence to topical anti-glaucoma medication among patients attending the Crystal Eye Clinic at Adenta. The population of participants for the study was all patients accessing eye care services at the Crystal Eye Clinic, Adenta. Data was collected using a modified structured questionnaire in addition to Morisky Medication Adherence Scale – 8 (MMAS – 8). Simple Random Sampling was used to select the study participants. Microsoft Excel was used to collate the data from the questionnaires and then transferred to Stata Version 15 for analysis. Descriptive analysis, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out. A 95% confidence interval to establish significant relations between the dependent and the independent variables was applied. Results: Overall, 62% of the respondents had low adherence to topical anti-glaucoma medication, 35% had medium adherence while only 3% had high adherence. The number of times the patient misses the eye drops and the expectations after using the eye drops  were significantly related to non-adherence. . However, how the medication was stored and correct names of drugs had significant relation with non-adherence to topical antiglaucoma medication. Demographic factors such as age, sex, educational level etc. and Provider related factors such as whether instruction were given about medications, the freedom to ask questions about treatment were all statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The study concluded that overall, there was high prevalence of nonadherence to topical anti- glaucoma medications among patients accessing glaucoma care at the crystal Eye Clinic. Innovative strategies such as use of scheduling charts and apps as well as guidelines or policies can help prompt patients to take their medications. Additionally, there is the need to include relatives of glaucoma patients in their care, particularly about their medications. More intense patient education about the disease and fear of blindness may be important factors for better prognosis of treatment.