A cross-sectional study on compliance with topical glaucoma medication and its associated socioeconomic burden for a Chinese population

Abstract

Purpose: To estimate the overall drug compliance rate for local Chinese glaucoma patients on long-term topical treatment in publically funded hospital. Methods. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Fifty-seven primary glaucoma patients from the subspecialty clinic of a publicly-funded tertiary care hospital in Hong Kong completed a questionnaire on compliance with topical glaucoma medication, attitude towards glaucoma and therapy and vision related quality of life. Non-compliance was defined as reporting missing more than or equal to 10% of the prescribed topical glaucoma medication during the 2 weeks immediately prior to the consultation. Relationships between non-compliance and demographics, attitude, disease and treatment status was studied. Cost was estimated with quality of life and direct medical cost involved with non-compliance. Multivariate logistic regression on non-compliance was performed on selected factors. Results. Compliance rate was calculated as 75.4% (95% CI: 64.2%-86.7%) among 57 subjects (mean age 69.0 years, female 50.9%) No statistical significant relationship could be established between non-compliance and any single factors or outcomes. Age (P= 0.079) and forgetfulness (P= 0.061) was found to statistically marginally insignificant predictive factors on non-compliance in univariate logistic regression. Non-compliance might be related (P= 0.130) to poorer self-rated vision-associated quality of life. The societal cost of non-compliance was estimated to be over 2510 life-years and HKD$30 million territory wide. Conclusion. The compliance rate of Chinese glaucoma patients is comparable to other parts in the world, and carries detrimental impacts on individual and societal levels. Age and forgetfulness were two possible independent predictors for non-compliance.