How 'Drug Aware' are our Glaucoma Patients?

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Patient Education

Background:

• Medication compliance in glaucoma management is hindered by poor knowledge, attitude, and self-care practices.
• This study evaluates knowledge, attitude, and practices related to eyedrop instillation in diagnosed glaucoma patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge, attitude, and self-care practices concerning eyedrop instillation among glaucoma patients.
• To identify factors influencing medication compliance in glaucoma management.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 101 glaucoma patients using a 10-point questionnaire.
• Data collected on patient-, medication-, environment-, and physician-related factors.
• Statistical analysis included unpaired t-tests and ANOVA to compare scores with sociodemographic parameters.

Main Results:

• While 98% knew the reason for instilling eyedrops, only 61.4% knew proper storage, and 30% incorrectly believed back-to-back instillation was acceptable.
• Half of participants (55.4%) considered missing a dose insignificant, and 37.6% thought medication could be stopped without consulting a doctor.
• Education significantly correlated with practice scores (p=0.004) and total scores (p=0.047), but not knowledge or attitude scores.

Conclusions:

• Significant variations exist in glaucoma patients' self-care practices, including handwashing and checking expiry dates.
• Enhanced patient education on eyedrop administration is necessary to improve compliance and therapeutic efficacy.
• Addressing knowledge and practice gaps can reduce patient frustration and optimize anti-glaucoma treatment outcomes.