Predictors of adherence to glaucoma treatment in a multisite study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Health Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Poor adherence to glaucoma treatment negatively impacts patient outcomes.
• While demographic and clinical factors are known predictors, psychological variables are less understood.
• Identifying psychological predictors is crucial for improving medication adherence in glaucoma management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate predictors of medication adherence in glaucoma patients.
• To examine variables derived from health behavior theories and previous research.
• To identify psychological and other factors influencing adherence to eyedrop regimens.

Main Methods:

• A baseline adherence study involving 201 participants over two months.
• Utilized electronic Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) bottles to objectively track eyedrop usage.
• Participants also completed questionnaires assessing self-reported adherence and psychological variables.

Main Results:

• Objective adherence via MEMS was 79%, while self-reported adherence was 94%.
• Self-efficacy, motivation, dose frequency, and nonminority race/ethnicity predicted 35% of MEMS-measured adherence variance.
• Self-efficacy, intention, and cues to action predicted 20% of self-reported adherence variance.

Conclusions:

• Self-efficacy, motivation, intention, dose frequency, and race/ethnicity independently predicted adherence.
• Psychological factors, alongside demographic and regimen-specific variables, are significant predictors of glaucoma medication adherence.
• Further research is needed, but clinicians should consider psychological predictors to enhance patient adherence and treatment efficacy.