Abstract:
Purpose: Successful outcomes of medical treatment for glaucoma require proper and daily
use of medication to prevent disease progression. The aim of this study was to determine the
adherence to anti‑glaucoma medications and factors associated with non‑adherence among
patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma at Jimma University Specialized
Hospital, Ethiopia.
Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted on 200
consecutive patients from July to November 2010 at Jimma University Hospital in Southwest
Ethiopia. Patients with OHT or glaucoma who were taking topical anti‑glaucoma medications
for more than six months were included. The study subjects were interviewed and their
medical records were reviewed. Non‑adherence to glaucoma therapy (NAGT) was defined
as self‑reported on missed medications or missed appointments, or a physician noting poor
adherence. A P < 0.05 was statistically significant.
Result: Overall, 135 (67.5%) patients were non adherent to glaucoma therapy. Non adherence
was associated with older age (P = 0.04), advanced stage of glaucoma (P = 0.01), longer
frequency of follow up (P = 0.00) and financial problem (P = 0.000). Sex (P = 0.53), level of
education (P = 0.09), and marital status (P = 0.77) were not statistically significantly associated
with non‑adherence to anti‑glaucoma drug treatment.
Conclusion: A relatively high proportion of patients were not adhering to the medications
regimen for glaucoma. Older age, advanced glaucoma, lengthier frequency of follow‑up and
financial hardship were associated with non‑adherence. Eye care providers should be aware
of the problem of non‑adherence to topical medications.
