REASONS FOR NON-ADHERENCE TO TREATMENT AMONG PATIENTS WITH CATARACT AT MAHASARAKHAM HOSPITAL

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to identify the reasons for non-adherence to treatment among patients with cataracts who had scheduled appointment for cataract surgery at the ophthalmology clinic of Mahasarakham Hospital. The study sample consisted of 86 patients diagnosed with blinding cataracts and severe low vision cataracts, who were scheduled for surgery at the ophthalmology clinic between October 2021 and March 2023. The patients were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data collection was performed, involving a review of appointment logbook for cataract surgery and telephone interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis was performed.

The results showed that the main reason for patients not attending scheduled cataract surgery appointments was concerns about postoperative complications (46.7%), followed by being hospitalized for another illness (26.7%) and their family taking them to other hospitals for surgery (23.3%). The common reasons for not attending to treatment follow-up among patients who did not complete their treatment follow-up after cataract surgery was an absence of family or caregiver to bring them to the hospital (80.8%).

Healthcare providers should provide counseling to patients and their families to reduce anxiety about cataract surgery. Community government agencies should provide support for patients who need caregivers during their recovery after cataract surgery. This support should also extend to patients who require assistance in attending follow-up appointments. This would help reduce barriers that prevent patients from continuing their post-surgery care.