Treatment Outcomes and Predictors Among Glaucoma Patients Attending Ophthalmic Units at Felegehiwot and Debre Markos Comprehensives Specialized Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study 2024

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is a prevalent ophthalmologic condition and a leading cause of blindness globally. The primary objective of glaucoma treatment is to slow disease progression and preserve vision-related quality of life by reducing intraocular pressure. However, achieving positive treatment outcomes remains a significant challenge. Glaucoma has a profound impact on vision-related quality of life. Objective: To assess treatment outcomes and predictors among glaucoma patients attending ophthalmic units at Felegehiwot and Debre Markos Specialized Hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2024 to October 2024. A total of 273 participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Both bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were carried out. In bivariate analysis, variables with a p-value ≤0.2 were considered candidates for multivariable analysis, and a p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of uncontrolled treatment outcomes in this study was 75.8%, with a median vision-related quality of life score of 38 (interquartile range: 26-50). Variables significantly associated with uncontrolled treatment outcomes included secondary education (AOR: 4.572, 95% CI: 1.039–20.144), comorbid conditions (AOR: 6.939, 95% CI: 1.995–24.130), glaucoma severity (AOR: 26.387, 95% CI: 5.809–119.862), advanced and moderate glaucoma (AOR: 9.828, 95% CI: 3.986–24.231), and non-adherence to medication (AOR: 1.300, 95% CI: 0.047–0.362). Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of uncontrolled treatment outcomes among glaucoma patients, with a median vision-related quality of life score of 38. Key factors associated with uncontrolled outcomes include secondary education, comorbidities, glaucoma severity, and medication non-adherence.