Medication adherence rates in patients with ocular inflammatory disease

Aim To evaluate medication adherence patterns in patients with ocular inflammatory disease. Methods This cross-sectional study involved patients with ocular inflammatory disease who completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, disease characteristics, understanding of condition and medication regimen, self-reported adherence and methods utilized to improve adherence. Accuracy of self-reported responses were validated against electronic hospital records. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with adherence and understanding. Results Of the 75 patients with ocular inflammatory disease, 14 (18.7%) were evaluated to be highly adherent to their prescribed medications, despite 33 (44%) reporting no perceived barriers to adherence. 38 (50.6%) were unable to recall the purpose of their medications, despite 59 (78.6%) reporting that the purpose of their medications was clearly explained to them. The ability to accurately recall their ocular inflammatory diagnosis ( p = 0.041) was independently associated with good adherence rates. 19 (25.3%) displayed good understanding of their ophthalmic condition and medication regimen. A higher income was independently associated with good understanding of their condition and medication regimen ( p = 0.032). Conclusion Medication adherence in ocular inflammatory disease is suboptimal. Our results indicate a discordance between explained and recalled medication and condition information, impacting adherence negatively. Targeted educational interventions may be required to enhance patients’ understanding and retention of key information regarding their ocular inflammatory disease and medication regimen to improve adherence.