{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Evaluation of medication adherence of glaucoma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
{Author}: Fırat PG;Dikci S;Can A;Türkoğlu EB;
{Journal}: J Fr Ophtalmol
{Volume}: 46
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: Jan 2023
{Factor}: 1.194
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.jfo.2022.09.006
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To evaluate changes in the medication adherence of glaucoma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors influencing medication adherence.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>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.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>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).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>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.