Nkiru N Kizor-Akaraiwe1. 1. a College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Technology(ESUT), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital Parklane , The Eye Specialists Hospital (TESH) , Enugu , Nigeria.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine uptake, adherence and influencing factors to follow-up care by newly diagnosed glaucoma patients from free eye screening exercise. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey of newly diagnosed glaucoma patients during free eye screenings carried out in March and October, 2016 in Enugu, Nigeria. Data on participants were analyzed after a minimum of 6 months from the screening for uptake and adherence to follow-up care. Qualifying patients had questionnaires administered to them by phone interview. Information requested regards awareness, knowledge on diagnosis as well as reasons for non-uptake and non-adherence. RESULTS: 182 newly diagnosed glaucoma patients were included of which 121 (66.5%) were males, with median age of 50years.About 164 (90.1%) had at least a primary education. There were more self- employed persons 59 (32.4%) compared to other occupations. Uptake of follow up care was 17.6% (32/182). Adherence rate was 25% (8/32). Major reasons for non-uptake were lack of funds 54.9% (n = 50/91), distance 11% (n = 10/91) and receiving care from other facilities 11.0% (n = 10/91). Others include discourteous staff behavior and lack of information on diagnosis. Similarly, major reasons for non-adherence were lack of funds 44.4% (n = 8/18) and distance 22.2% (n = 4/18). Knowledge and prior awareness of glaucoma were found to be significantly associated with uptake of follow up care (p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Uptake and adherence to follow-up was found to be low in this study population mainly attributed to cost, distance and poor knowledge of glaucoma natural history. Reviewing cost/out of pocket expenditure, providing care closer to patients, adequate education of staff and patients may significantly improve uptake of care after initial diagnosis.
PURPOSE: To determine uptake, adherence and influencing factors to follow-up care by newly diagnosed glaucomapatients from free eye screening exercise. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey of newly diagnosed glaucomapatients during free eye screenings carried out in March and October, 2016 in Enugu, Nigeria. Data on participants were analyzed after a minimum of 6 months from the screening for uptake and adherence to follow-up care. Qualifying patients had questionnaires administered to them by phone interview. Information requested regards awareness, knowledge on diagnosis as well as reasons for non-uptake and non-adherence. RESULTS: 182 newly diagnosed glaucomapatients were included of which 121 (66.5%) were males, with median age of 50years.About 164 (90.1%) had at least a primary education. There were more self- employed persons 59 (32.4%) compared to other occupations. Uptake of follow up care was 17.6% (32/182). Adherence rate was 25% (8/32). Major reasons for non-uptake were lack of funds 54.9% (n = 50/91), distance 11% (n = 10/91) and receiving care from other facilities 11.0% (n = 10/91). Others include discourteous staff behavior and lack of information on diagnosis. Similarly, major reasons for non-adherence were lack of funds 44.4% (n = 8/18) and distance 22.2% (n = 4/18). Knowledge and prior awareness of glaucoma were found to be significantly associated with uptake of follow up care (p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Uptake and adherence to follow-up was found to be low in this study population mainly attributed to cost, distance and poor knowledge of glaucoma natural history. Reviewing cost/out of pocket expenditure, providing care closer to patients, adequate education of staff and patients may significantly improve uptake of care after initial diagnosis.
Entities:
Keywords:
Follow up; adherence; eye screening; glaucoma care