Evaluation of medication adherence of glaucoma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in the medication adherence of glaucoma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors influencing medication adherence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of 197 glaucoma patients who were followed for at least six months in the Glaucoma Unit of the Ophthalmology Department of Inonu University, Faculty of Medicine. Patients were given a 28-item questionnaire, including the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Questionnaire, to evaluate medication adherence. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Interruption of glaucoma clinic visits during the pandemic was reported by 82 (41.6%) patients. Nonadherence was reported by 56 patients (28.4%) (95% confidence interval: 22.1–34.7). For these patients, the most common reasons for nonadherence were forgetfulness (50%), the inability to receive a prescription for the drug (10.7%) and being busy (10.7%). Factors influencing nonadherence were determined to be younger age, female gender, interruption of glaucoma clinic visits and high-income levels (P ˂ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Interruption of glaucoma clinic visits during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting inability to have medications prescribed resulted in patient nonadherence with medication use.