Patient-reported behavior and problems in using glaucoma medications.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the current study were to describe the different types of problems patients receiving adjunctive therapy reported having when taking their glaucoma medications and to examine the relationship between patient-reported problems in taking their glaucoma medications and patient adherence.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
A survey was distributed to glaucoma patients in 4 geographically distinct ophthalmology practices. We excluded patients using only 1 glaucoma medication. The survey was completed by 324 patients.


METHODS
For each patient, average percent adherence to his or her glaucoma medication regimen was calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine how patient characteristics and problems in using glaucoma medications were related to reported adherence.


METHODS
Whether patients were less than 100% adherent in the previous week.


RESULTS
We found that 60% of patients reported 1 or more problems with taking their glaucoma medications. Fourteen percent of patients reported being less than 100% adherent to their glaucoma regimen medications during the previous week. Patients who had difficulty remembering to take their glaucoma medications and those who reported that they had other problems or concerns with their glaucoma medications were significantly less likely to be 100% adherent.


CONCLUSIONS
Patient adherence to a glaucoma medication regimen could be improved among patients receiving adjunctive therapy. Ophthalmologists and their clinical colleagues should make sure to discuss the problems and concerns that patients may have in taking their glaucoma medications in an effort to improve adherence.
Sleath
Betsy
B
University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy, Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7590, USA. Betsy_Sleath@unc.edu
Robin
Alan L
AL
Covert
David
D
Byrd
John E
JE
Tudor
Gail
G
Svarstad
Bonnie
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires