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

Completed

• Conditions: Patient Noncompliance; Health Literacy; Glaucoma

• Registration Number: NCT00694876
• Lead Sponsor: Robin, Alan L., M.D.

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed 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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2008-06
• Study First Submitted: 2008-06-07
• Study First Submitted QC: 2008-06-07
• Study First Posted: 2008-06-11
• Primary Completion: 2010-10
• Study Completion: 2010-10
• Status Verified: 2012-11
• Last Update Submitted: 2012-11-29
• Last Update Posted: 2012-11-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 250

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

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Association between TOFHLA and REALM and the probability of return for follow-up visit	1 year from enrollemnt

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Association between religion, caste, education, socio-economic status, employment, and available time for doctor visits and the probability of return for follow-up visit.	1 year from enrollment
Association between marital status, number of dependents, family history of glaucoma, travel, need for an escort, understanding of glaucoma, and paying status and the probability of return for follow-up visit.	1 year from enrollment

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Aravind Eye Hospital; 🇮🇳 Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India