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Abstract #108432 Published in IGR 23-4
Adherence to Ocular Hypotensive Medication in Patients with Primary Open-angle Glaucoma in Ghana
Kyei S; Kwao E; Mashige PK; Listowell Abu S; Racette LJournal of Glaucoma 2023; 32: 777-782
PRCIS: There is a high rate of nonadherence to ocular hypotensive medications in a highly prevalent glaucoma setting which warrant the attention of caregivers so as to inform their discussion of the possible barriers to adherence with their patients. PURPOSE: To assess adherence to ocular hypotensive medication objectively among glaucoma patients in Ghana and to identify factors associated with adherence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, observational cohort study included consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma treated with Timolol at the Christian Eye Centre, Cape Coast, Ghana. Adherence was assessed using Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) for a period of three months. MEMS adherence was defined as the number of doses taken divided by the number of doses prescribed, expressed in percent. Patients with adherence of 75% or less were classified as nonadherent. Associations with glaucoma medication self-efficacy, eye drop-taking behaviours and health beliefs were also assessed. RESULTS: Of the 139 patients (mean age, 65 y [standard deviation, 13 y]) included in the study, 107 (77.0%) were nonadherent when assessed with MEMS, compared to only 47 (33.8%) who self-reported being nonadherent. Overall, mean adherence was 48.5%±29.7. In univariate analysis, MEMS adherence was significantly associated with educational level ( χ2 =9.18, P =0.01) and number of systemic comorbidities ( χ2 =6.03, P =0.049). CONCLUSION: Overall, mean adherence was low and adherence was associated with educational level and number of systemic comorbidities in univariate analysis.
Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
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