Abstract
Purpose :
To evaluate adherence to medical therapy in childhood glaucoma
Methods :
In a cross sectional study, one parent of children with childhood glaucoma was surveyed using a questionnaire that collected data on demographics, clinical details, drug regimen adherence and their perception about causes and solutions for non-adherence.
Results :
The adherence rate in 119 children was 63.9% (95% CI 55.3; 72.5). Adherence varied significantly by medication regimen (P=0.02) and fathers’ occupation (P = 0.002). Adherence was better in children with younger fathers (P =0.01) and fathers with clerical occupations (P=0.002). Age (P = 0.15), gender (P = 0.3), glaucoma duration (P = 0.6), parent literacy (P = 0.4), and number of medications (P = 0.16) were not significantly associated with adherence. Missing glaucoma medications on weekends and during travel were the identfied by parents as the main reasons for non-adherence. A disciplined approach to drop installation and the use of reminder apps were proposed solutions for adherence by parents.
Conclusions :
Adherence to glaucoma medications reported by parents in childhood glacoma was high.
Children with younger parents and with higher education levels were more likely to adhere to glaucoma medication regimens. Determinants of non-adherence identified in this study if addressed could further strengthen glaucoma care. Counseling must be specific to parental age and socioeconomic status. Encouraging the use of reminder apps and alarm clocks may increase adherence.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2018 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29 - May 3, 2018.