Influence of COVID‑19 on the Prognosis and Medication Compliance of Glaucoma Patients in the Nile Delta Region

Abstract

Objective: To assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the medication adherence and follow-up of glaucoma patients in the Nile Delta region. Setting: A tertiary care center in the Nile Delta region, Egypt. Study Design: An observational, cross-sectional study. Participants: Patients' records (2019-2020; group A) and (2020-2021; group B) were assessed for missed follow-up visits, medication adherence, number of trabeculectomies performed, and uncontrolled patients. In addition, a telephone-based questionnaire involving randomly chosen 200 patients from B.G.U. was carried out to clarify the potential causes of poor patients' compliance. Results: There was a marked decline in the number of newly diagnosed patients and patients on regular follow-up with incidence rates 0.208 and 0.088 in group (A) and group (B), respectively (P-value < 0.0001). The number of compliant patients in group B decreased with an incidence rate difference of 0.312. The number of trabeculectomies declined in group (B) with an incidence rate in group (A) 0.131 compared to 0.081 in group (B). On the other hand, the number of uncontrolled glaucoma patients increased in group B with an incidence rate difference −0.231 between the two groups. 21.5% of patients who participated in the questionnaire identified financial issues as the leading cause of non-compliance. Comorbidities (19.5%), lockdown and transportation difficulties were also highlighted. Conclusion: COVID-19 had greatly hampered glaucoma care in the Nile Delta region. As a result, we need to implement new technologies like telemedicine and improve patients' awareness of glaucoma care. Training orthoptists and using mobile glaucoma care services would also be helpful ways of managing glaucoma during that pandemic.

How does the COVID-19 pandemic impact medication adherence of patients with chronic disease?: A systematic review

“…This study revealed that the financial restriction (21.5% of participants) was the biggest barrier to non-medication adherence among 200 patients with glaucoma. 42 In general, people with chronic diseases are often prescribed different long-term types of medication, so the high costs of their medication regimens are common. Thus, the affordability of medication has become an issue since insurance policy and coverage for medications are different at the individual and healthcare system levels.…”

The medication adherence among glaucoma patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Croatia

“…Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that the pandemic has indubitably disrupted health behaviour among glaucoma patients worldwide. 18,[21][22][23][24][25] In particular, the patients' adherence has been adversely influenced, exacerbating already known barriers and manifesting new problems specific for the continuous period. 21,24 Concerning the pandemic-related problems, this study was conducted to assess the treatment adherence and identify the predictors of adherence among glaucoma patients treated at Zagreb University Hospital Center during the COVID-19 outbreak.…”

“…18,[21][22][23][24][25] In particular, the patients' adherence has been adversely influenced, exacerbating already known barriers and manifesting new problems specific for the continuous period. 21,24 Concerning the pandemic-related problems, this study was conducted to assess the treatment adherence and identify the predictors of adherence among glaucoma patients treated at Zagreb University Hospital Center during the COVID-19 outbreak. The study's secondary goal was to determine the main reasons for non-adherence to glaucoma treatment.…”

“…Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that the pandemic has indubitably disrupted health behaviour among glaucoma patients worldwide. 18,21–25 In particular, the patients' adherence has been adversely influenced, exacerbating already known barriers and manifesting new problems specific for the continuous period. 21,24…”

“…18,21–25 In particular, the patients' adherence has been adversely influenced, exacerbating already known barriers and manifesting new problems specific for the continuous period. 21,24…”