Study of adherence to antiglaucoma treatment and associated factors in patients at the Vision Centre as a basis for developing a digital tool

Abstract

Introduction: Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60 worldwide. Although treatment is effective, there are some factors that affect adherence. Objective: To determine the frequency of adherence to antiglaucoma treatment in literate and digitally illiterate patients at the Vision Centre, identifying the internal and external factors that influence adherence. Methodology: A descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted. A survey was administered to collect personal and clinical data. All data were analysed using Microsoft Excel for measures of central tendency and SPSS to perform Fisher's exact test. Results: 72.4% (n=21) of participants said they adhered to antiglaucoma treatment, where it was determined that the cost of eye drops (p=0.015) and following treatment without interruption (p=0.003) are factors that have a significant association with treatment adherence. It was determined that 89.7% (n=26) of respondents use digital devices, such as mobile phones. Discussion: Although non-adherence is low compared to other studies, it is still not zero. In addition, 62% of respondents would use an application to help them with their treatment as a strategy to aid adherence. Conclusion: This study revealed that approximately 28% of the patients surveyed did not adhere to antiglaucoma treatment. There is a statistically significant association with drug-related factors. Replicating the study in other municipalities could provide more representative data for Chile.