Use of Theory of Planned Behavior to Explain the Intra-Ocular Pressure Control Medication Use Behavior in Geriatric Patients at Ophthalmology Clinic, Ramathibodi Hospital

Abstract

Background: Treatment of glaucoma with intra-ocular pressure control medication is important to maintain consistency. Noncompliance with drug use is a major problem affecting achievement in the treatment with glaucoma drugs.

Objective: To identify factors that are associated with intra-ocular pressure control medication use behavior in geriatric patients of ophthalmology clinic at Ramathibodi Hospital.

Methods: This research was cross-sectional descriptive study. Three hundred seventy-five elderly patients with glaucoma who received services in ophthalmology clinic were enrolled in this study. Questionnaires were created based on the theory of planned behavior. Correlation analysis using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient.

Results: Factors correlated with intentions to use intra-ocular pressure control medication were gender (r = 0.11) income (r = -0.13) duration of disease (r = 0.19) attitudes toward behavior (r = 0.23) and perceived behavioral control (r = 0.15). Factors correlated with the intra-ocular pressure control medication use behavior were income (r = 0.16) attendant (r = -0.118) attitudes toward behavior (r = 0.18) perceived behavioral control (r = 0.15) and intentions to use medication (r = 0.31).

Conclusions: Healthcare providers may use these factors as a guide in behavioral modification procedure to control the intraocular pressure by use intra-ocular Pressure control medication and other special techniques medication. Understanding the reasons for nonadherence and designing better interventions to improve medication adherence in glaucoma patients and a worthy goal of treatment is patients derive the maximal benefit of therapies.