Follow-up and adherence to glaucoma care by newly diagnosed glaucoma patients in enugu, nigeria.

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: In total, 182 newly diagnosed glaucoma patients were included of which 121(66.5%) were males, with median age of 50 years. 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), unprofessional staff attitude 13.2% (n = 12/91) and distance 11% (n = 10/91). Similarly, major reasons for non-adherence were lack of funds 32% (n = 8/25) and distance 16% (4/25). 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 which was mainly attributed to financial challenge, unprofessional staff attitude and distance. Reviewing cost, adequate education of staff and patients and providing care closer to patients may significantly improve uptake of care after initial diagnosis.