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- Title
A cross sectional study of compliance and adherence of topical antiglaucoma medications in rural population of Kashmir.
- Authors
Yousuf, Snober; Arsalan-un-nisa; Rasool, Aaliya; Shafi, Tufela
- Abstract
Background: Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive disease and a leading cause of treatable, non-reversible blindness in India. Medical intervention directed towards halting the progression of disease, remains one of the mainstays of treatment for glaucoma. Hence, increased compliance with anti glaucoma medication attains utmost importance, as non-compliance can lead to further progression of the disease and ultimately vision loss. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out at the Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Srinagar from January -December 2022 on patients undergoing treatment for glaucoma by means of intraocular pressure lowering medications. Patients were categorized as compliant or non compliant based on their adherence to the stipulated medication protocol. A customised questionnaire with pertinent information on number of medications, duration of treatment, patient's view on disease, reasons for non-compliance, technique of drug administration, presence of caregivers as well as state of the disease as measured by visual field changes over time were documented. All data was tabulated and interpreted using SPSS software. Results: A total of 240 patients were included in this study. The average age of patients was 60.5 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.6 :1. 86.7% of the patients had bilateral disease and the largest chunk of patients was undergoing treatment from the past 1-3 years (75.8%). A total of 5% of the patients gave a positive family history for the disease. Compliance rates to medication were found to be as follows: Total Non Compliance-20%, Partial Non Compliance-58%, Full Compliance-22%. Additionally, 52% of the patients were found to be employing an incorrect method of drug administration. Financial difficulties and unavailability of the drugs at their places of residence were found to be the leading causes of non-compliance. Lack of caregivers was also associated with a higher rate of non-compliance. Discussion: As the worlds population ages, glaucoma is becoming an increasingly important cause of blindness. Medical management remains the most widely used technique to mitigate the vision crippling changes that engulf a glaucomatous eye. Subsequently, strict adherence to anti-glaucoma medication protocol, as formulated by the treating physician, remains a simple yet an indispensable tool to halt the progression of this disease and salvage the remaining vision. Our study highlights an alarming 58% rate of partial non-compliance and a 20% rate of total non compliance, which is much more than studies conducted in other parts of the world. The unique feature of this study is highlighting financial reasons and unavailability of drugs in remote areas as the leading causes of non-compliance. Awareness regarding the importance of anti-glaucoma medication, demonstration of correct techniques of drug administration, proper availability of drugs and a positive attitude of family members/ caregivers can be essential factors to increase drug compliance in glaucoma patients and decrease the burden of ocular complications.
- Subjects
SRINAGAR (Jammu &; Kashmir, India); RURAL population; DRUG accessibility; PATIENT compliance; PERIMETRY; CAREGIVERS; TRABECULECTOMY; DRUGS
- Publication
JK Practitioner, 2023, Vol 28, Issue 1/2, p13
- ISSN
0971-8834
- Publication type
Article