Impact of Health Literacy and Other Factors on Glaucoma Patient Adherence in South India

Robin, Alan L., M.D.

Status: Completed

Conditions: Patient Noncompliance; Glaucoma; Health Literacy

Study type: Observational

Identifiers

NCT00694876

Health Literacy

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to determine how health literacy impacts glaucoma patient adherence (as measured by following up with the doctor) in Tamil Nadu, India. We hypothesize that individuals with better health literacy will have higher rates of follow-up with their ophthalmologist.

Full description

Many studies have shown the importance of health literacy on patient adherence in the United States (Juzych, M, et al., 2008; Muir, KW, et al., 2006). Low adherence in glaucoma patients leads to increased intraocular pressure, optic nerve damage, and blindness. To date, no research has been done with health literacy and patient adherence in the developing world.

We will use TOFHLA and REALM to assess the health literacy of glaucoma patients in Tamil Nadu, India. We will also survey other demographic information and patient knowledge of glaucoma. This information will be compared with follow-up rates to identify barriers to patient adherence.

Enrollment: 250 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 69 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Better than 20/100 corrected vision in better eye
• Must live within 50 miles of Aravind Eye Hospital
• Clinical diagnosis of primary glaucoma
• Paying patient

Trial design

250 participants in 2 patient groups

1

Description:

Adequate Health Literacy (as determined by TOFHLA)

2

Description:

Inadequate Health Literacy (as determined by TOFHLA)