Patients Compliance Regarding Glaucoma Medical Management in Makah Eye Complex, Khartoum State- Sudan 2014

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is a group of ocular conditions characterized by optic nerve damage. it's a chronic, progressive. and most often asymptomatic disease, it is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Objective: To study patients Compliance regarding glaucoma medical management in Makah Eye Complex. Methods: Patient’s compliance assessed by structured interviewing close ended questionnaire (n =300). Study design: descriptive cross sectional hospital based study. Sample size: Sample size is based on the number of patients attending to glaucoma clinic in Makah Eye Complex during data collection period. who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. (Convince sampling and 300 patients visit the center during the sampling period). The data was coded by using SPSS program (Statistical Package for Social Sciences), version 16.0. Results: Majority of patients received explanation. 85% about glaucoma, 97.6% about need for regular follows up and 94% about necessity of continuous use of treatment. 88% of the patients take prescribed medications. while only 57% know their side effects. All the patients were came to follow up, 70% of them follows on time. but 30% follows when possible. About the complication. 72% knew that glaucoma can lead to blindness in case of irregular treatment and periodic follow-up. 73% knew that increase in IOP cause deterioration in vision and 81% knew that treatment will not improve vision but its aim to prevent deterioration in vision. Few patients not adhere to compliance. because of medications cost. side effects and unavailability. Conclusion: Majority of patients have good compliance regarding use of medications and adherence to periodic follow up. There are some factors that have been associated with poor compliance in few patients, such as socioeconomic factors, side effects and unavailability of medications.