Predictors of adherence to glaucoma treatment in a multisite study

Poor adherence hinders glaucoma treatment. Studies have identified demographic and clinical predictors of adherence but fewer psychological variables.

We examined predictors from four health behavior theories and past research.

In the baseline phase of a three-site adherence study, before any intervention, 201 participants used electronic Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) bottles to monitor eyedrop use for 2 months, and completed questionnaires including self-reported adherence.

MEMS showed 79% adherence and self-report 94% (0.5-1.5 missed weekly doses), but they correlated only r(s) = 0.31. Self-efficacy, motivation, dose frequency, and nonminority race/ethnicity predicted 35% of variance in MEMS. Cues to action, self-efficacy, and intention predicted 20% of variance in self-reported adherence.

Self-efficacy, motivation, intention, cues to action, dose frequency, and race/ethnicity each independently predicted adherence. Predictors from all theories were supported in bivariate analyses, but additional study is needed. Researchers and clinicians should consider psychological predictors of adherence. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID# NCT01409421.).