Adherence to topical anti-glaucoma medications in Sidama regional state, Southern Ethiopia

PURPOSE: To assess the proportion of adherence to topical anti-glaucoma medications and associated factors among glaucoma patients in Sidama regional state, Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 30 to July 15, 2022 at Hawassa University comprehensive specialized and Yirgalem General Hospitals in Sidama regional state, Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling method was used to select 410 study participants. An adapted eight-item self-reported questionnaire was used to assess adherence. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with adherence to topical anti-glaucoma medications. Variables with a p-value of <0.05 under multivariable analysis were taken as statistically significant factors for adherence. The strength of the association was measured by using an adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A total of 410 participants were included giving a response rate of 98.3%. Those who were adherent to their medications were 221(53.9%) (95% CI: 48.8–58.5). Urban residence (AOR = 2.81: 95% CI = 1.34–5.87), higher educational level (AOR = 3.17: 95% CI = 1.24–8.09), monthly follow-up frequency (AOR = 3.30: 95% CI = 1.79–6.11) and normal vision (AOR = 6.58: 95% CI = 3.03–10.84) were significantly associated with adherence. CONCLUSION: More than half of glaucoma patients attending at Hawassa University comprehensive specialized and Yirgalem general hospitals were adherent to their topical anti-glaucoma medications. Urban residence, educational level, follow-up frequency, and normal vision were associated with adherence.