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Patient and Neighborhood Factors Influencing Glaucoma Medication Adherence
Patrice M Hicks1, Justus N Dobson1, Jamie Mitchell2
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105.
Journal of Glaucoma
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Patient-level factors significantly impact glaucoma medication adherence. Interventions addressing individual barriers, considering sex and neighborhood disadvantage, can improve adherence outcomes for glaucoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Glaucoma medication adherence is crucial for preventing vision loss.
- Understanding patient-level factors influencing adherence is essential for effective management.
- The Support, Educate, Empower Personalized Glaucoma Coaching Program Pilot Study aimed to explore these factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify barriers and facilitators to glaucoma medication adherence.
- To assess demographic differences in these barriers and facilitators.
- To inform targeted interventions for improving adherence.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-methods study involving participants with ≤80% adherence.
- Collected patient (age, sex, race) and neighborhood (Area Deprivation Index - ADI) data.
- Conducted semi-structured interviews analyzed using the modified Penchansky and Thomas framework.
Main Results:
- Patient-level factors were the most cited barriers (52%) and facilitators (48%).
- Difficulty with medication schedule (48%) was a key barrier; home eye drop location (25%) a facilitator.
- Barriers and facilitators varied significantly by participant sex and ADI.
Conclusions:
- Patient-level factors are primary determinants of glaucoma medication adherence.
- Interventions must consider individual patient characteristics, sex, and neighborhood context (ADI).
- Targeted strategies addressing specific patient barriers can enhance medication adherence and improve glaucoma outcomes.
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