How 'Drug Aware' are our Glaucoma Patients?

摘要: Background: Poor knowledge, attitude and self-care practices(KAP) as regards medication compliance is a major concernin the management of glaucoma. This study aims to evaluatethe regarding eyedrop instillation selfcarepractices pertaining eyedrops in diagnosed glaucomapatients.Methods: In this cross-sectional, open-ended questionnairebasedstudy, 101 consecutive glaucoma patients on medicationwere recruited from an urban tertiary care hospital NorthIndia. A self-designed 10-point KAP questionnaire thataddressed patient-, medication-, environment- physiciansrelated factors was used.For each desirable answer, participant gives score 1was given for undesirable answer ‘0’ wasgiven question. The total scores domain werecalculated separately along with score. associationbetween individual scores, andvarious sociodemographic parameters were compared usingunpaired t-test. Analysis variance (ANOVA) test usedto compare means, where exposure variable had morethan two categories.Results: Out participants, 98% knew reason whythey instilling medicine. Only 61.4% subjects thatthe should be stored cool dry place. Nearly30% participants believed that could instilledback back. Half (55.4%) did not considermissing dose medicine significant. Majority (89.1%)of asked doctor about drug dosage andtimings 71.3% them use beyond40 days after opening vial. 37.6% believedthat discontinued without asking thedoctor, once symptoms are relieved. Eighty percent patientscheckedthe vial correct name expiry date beforebuying. 57.4% washed their hands beforeinstilling eyedrops. 23.8% doctorfor alternate name, case they do get theprimary medication.There no statistically significant differences themean between males femalesand rural patients.There knowledge(p = 0.059) (p 0.809) peoplewith different educational qualification. But education astatistically relation practice =0.004) 0.047). Conclusion(s): There exists marked variation reportedpractices, even very basic prerequisites eyedropslike washing hands, checking beforethe usage eyedrops.The findings our suggest need better educateour by providing detailed information abouteyedropand its administration. would help reducepatients‘ frustration, improve increase theefficacy anti-glaucoma therapy.