Medication adherence in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma

Figures & data

Table 1. Adherence, compliance, and persistence.

Adherence	Multi-component; the extent to which a person’s behavior – taking medication, following a diet, or executing lifestyle changes, corresponds with agreed recommendations from a healthcare provider. May also encompass a patient’s overall healthcare utilization, including keeping planned follow-up appointments.
Compliance	Following instructions or regulatory guidelines
Persistence	Continuation of treatment for the prescribed duration; time from initiation to discontinuation of therapy

Figure 1. Potential determinants of medication adherence. Adapted from Zullig and Hayden, 2017 [8]. Available at: https://catalyst.nejm.org/optimize-patients-medication-adherence/. Accessed 1 November 2018.

Figure 2. Costs and consequences of medication nonadherence. Adapted from the American Pharmacists Association Foundation. Available at: https://catalystrms.com/resources/news-articles/mymedtimes-vs-pill-reminder-and-medicine-apps/. Accessed 31 October 2017.

Table 2. Barriers to glaucoma medication adherence.

Category	Barrier to Glaucoma Medication Adherence	Percentage of Adherent Patients Identifying the Barrier as Important	Percentage of Nonadherent Patients Identifying the Barrier as Important
Regimen
	Difficulties with the medication schedule	24	47
	Medication side effects	25	42
	Medication cost	27	40
Individual patient factors
	Poor self-efficacy	23	59
	Difficulty with eyedrop administration	25	42
	Forgetfulness	23	62
	Beliefs about medications and skepticism that medications may prevent vision loss	51	50
	Beliefs about glaucoma and skepticism that glaucoma will lead to blindness if untreated	51	52
Medical provider issues
	Mistrust of physician	30	31
	Poor patient knowledge of glaucoma	40	50
Situational factors
	Stress	25	42

Zullig LL, Bosworth H. Engaging patients to optimize medication adherence. NEJM Catal. 2017. Available from: https://catalyst.nejm.org/optimize-patients-medication-adherence/.

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