https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5453-0635
Abstract
Background/Objectives
Adherence is a major challenge in topical glaucoma therapy, particularly in an African context. We report a pilot study assessing adherence independently for the first time in an African context.
Subjects/Methods
Participants with newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma received a weighed bottle of Lumigan 0.01% with counselling on therapy. The bottles were returned monthly for renewal and weighed on return to estimate drops taken during the period. Data collection was for one year with a short compliance questionnaire.
Results
11 patients participated. 5 (45%) failed to complete one full year of topical therapy. The overall mean number of drops per eye per day was 1.74 (SD 0.69) for the 6 with one year of monthly returned bottles and controlled IOPs at each visit. Self-perception of compliance in these patients was good.
Conclusion
The signs of poor adherence based on both self-report (previous literature), and in this small-scale study of an objective measure suggest medication may not be the first-line treatment of choice in this environment. Our report does, however, raise the possibility that those patients who return for repeat prescriptions and review are indeed adhering to their treatment regimens.
Keywords:
Abbreviations
IGA, international glaucoma association; IOP, intraocular pressure; POAG, primary open-angle glaucoma.
Declarations
Ethical permission for the study was given by the Aga Khan University Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 2012/24).
Acknowledgment
We are grateful for an unrestricted grant from L’Occitane foundation and the International Glaucoma association for supporting this work ID 520440 F89 IGA Murdoch.
Author Contributions
Ian Murdoch undertook the analysis of the data. All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting and revising the article, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.