Factors Associated with Non-Adherence to Glaucoma Treatment in a Korean Nationwide Survey

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is a main cause of blindness despite the effectiveness of treatments, and adherence to treatment is a critical aspect of glaucoma management. We aimed to identify the factors associated with non-adherence to treatment among Korean glaucoma patients. METHODS: Data were collected from 4,833 glaucoma patients during the Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS) in 2008 and 2011 regarding current treatment for glaucoma, demographics, comorbidities, perceived health status, and health-related behaviors were subjected to analysis. A multivariable regression model was applied to identify factors related to non-treatment for glaucoma. RESULTS: Approximately, half of the 4,883 patients failed to adhere to treatment. Compared to the treatment group, the non-treatment group had lower social status, fewer comorbid conditions, were more optimistic about their health statuses, and more likely to adopt unhealthy behaviors. Stepwise regression analysis showed that poor social status (low level of education and unmarried), self-perception of a satisfactory health status, and unhealthy behaviors (smoking and no flu-vaccination) were significantly associated with non-adherent to treatment. CONCLUSION: More attention should be paid to glaucoma patients with low social status or that are overconfident about their health. Future prospective studies that more comprehensively assess treatment compliance, are needed to confirm our findings.