Prospective study to assess socio demographic and clinical profile of non-compliant patients on topical anti glaucoma medications in rural hospital in southern India

Background: Aim: To assess the socio demographic and clinical profile of non-compliant primary open angle glaucoma patients on topical antiglaucoma medications. To assess the reasons for noncompliance in these patients. Methodology: This study was an Observational study which was conducted in Ophthalmology OPD at Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences, Madikeri, from March 2020 to June 2021. Patients selected were those on topical medications for primary open angle glaucoma of age > 18 years. 95 patients were selected and where given questionnaire. The formula used here to calculate the sample size was sample size n= Za2 p(1-p)/ e2. The prevalence of POAG is 3.51 %(1 Hence n=83. We have included 95 patients in our study. The statistical analysis was done using percentage, frequency and Chi square test. Approval from the ethical committee of the institution was taken before starting the study. Informed consent of the patient was taken. Patients were given the questionnaire and were asked to answer. The questionnaire included- mentioning the details of the antiglaucoma drug being used, duration of usage,missing of doses, reasons for missing the dosage etc was provided to the patients. Results: Total number of 95 patients took part in this study. Among them males and females were 45.2% and 54.7% respectively. Missing of dosage in the previous two weeks was considered as non compliant with regimen. Results showed that 28 out of 95 patients, (29.4%) were non compliant to the drug regime. Conclusion: In glaucoma patients, adherence to topical antiglaucoma medications is a major challenge As antiglaucoma therapy has to be used for lifelong and requires continuous care, awareness has to be created regarding the consequences of missing their medication and the importance of adhering to prescribed regimens. Different aspects about the cost of the medication, drug usage frequency, and side effects has to be considered and not just intraocular pressure control. Complete understanding of these factors and good counseling of the patient and their attenders can definitely improve the compliance of such patients and therefore the success of the treatment.