Factors associated with failure to follow up after glaucoma screening: a study in an African American population.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate variables associated with failure to access free eye care after participating in glaucoma screening.


METHODS
Review of responses to a survey completed by participants during glaucoma screening.


METHODS
Two hundred seventy-three surveys completed by participants of African descent during screening.


METHODS
African Americans 40 years or older participated in community glaucoma screening clinics, which included a survey with demographic and social variables. Each participant was given a preliminary diagnosis and encouraged to attend a free eye clinic for a complete examination. Survey results were correlated with attendance at the follow-up examination, using Student's t test, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis.


METHODS
Noncompliance with follow-up after glaucoma screening.


RESULTS
When adjusting for risk factors in logistic regression analysis, noncompliance was associated with living alone (P = 0.008), smoking (P = 0.0005), and lacking a car (P<0.01). Odds of noncompliance for participants living alone were 2.2 times higher than those for participants not living alone. Odds of noncompliance for participants who smoked were 3.0 times greater than those for participants who did not smoke. Odds of noncompliance for participants who did not have access to a car for their last eye examination were 2.1 times greater than those for participants who did.


CONCLUSIONS
Socioeconomic factors such as smoking, lack of access to a car for eye examinations, and living alone are associated with noncompliance to follow-up after glaucoma screening clinics. Identifying persons with these variables may facilitate improved compliance.
Gwira
Jane A
JA
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8061, USA.
Vistamehr
Setareh
S
Shelsta
Heather
H
Bashford
Kent
K
Forster
Susan
S
Palmisano
Phillip
P
Shafranov
George
G
Shields
M Bruce
MB
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012907:Smoking; D014186:Transportation