ADHERENCE TO TOPICAL ANTI-GLAUCOMA MEDICATIONS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG GLAUCOMA PATIENTS ATTENDING AT HAWASSA UNIVERSITY COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED AND YIRGALEM GENERAL HOSPITALS, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA, 2022

Abstract

Abstract Background: Adherence to topical anti-glaucoma medications is essential to reduce further progression of glaucoma. There is limited information about adherence and associated factors in Southern Ethiopia. Providing updated information regarding this topic is essential. Objective: To assess the proportion of adherence to topical anti-glaucoma medications

and associated factors among glaucoma patients attending at Hawassa University

Comprehensive Specialized and Yirgalem General Hospitals, Southern Ethiopia, 2022.

Methods: AN institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 30 to

July 15, 2022 at Hawassa University comprehensive specialized and Yirgalem General Hospitals, Southern Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling method

was used to select the 417 study participants. An adapted eight-item self-reported questionnaire was used to assess adherence. Binary logistic regression was used to identify

factors

associated with adherence to topical anti-glaucoma medications. Variables with a p-value of <0.05 under multivariable analysis were taken as statistically significant factors for adherence. The strength of the association was measured by using

an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval.

Result:

A total of 410 participants were included giving a response rate of 98.3%. Those who were adherent to their medications were 221(53.9%) (95% CI: 48.8– 58.5). Urban residence (AOR = 2.81: 95% CI = 1.34-5.87), higher educational level (AOR = 3.17: 95% CI = 1.24-8.09), monthly follow-up frequency (AOR = 3.30: 95% CI = 1.79-6.11) and normal vision (AOR = 6.58: 95% CI = 3.03-10.84) were significantly associated with adherence.

Conclusion:

More than half of glaucoma patients attending at Hawassa University comprehensive specialized and Yirgalem general hospitals were adherent to their topical anti-glaucoma medications. Urban residence, educational level, follow-up frequency, and normal vision were associated with adherence. Keywords: Topical anti-glaucoma medications, adherence, Southern, Ethiopia