Assessing the Outcomes and Determinants of Glaucoma Treatment in the Outpatient Department at Menelik II Referral Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Date
2025-08-12
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and a significant public
health problem in Ethiopia and other sub-Saharan African countries, significantly affecting
patients’ vision-related quality of life and increasing healthcare costs. Despite the availability of
treatment options, the effectiveness of glaucoma management depends on multiple factors,
including patient adherence, disease severity, and treatment regimen.
Objective: This study aimed to assess glaucoma treatment outcomes and associated factors
among glaucoma patients attending the Outpatient Glaucoma Clinic at Menelik II Referral
Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 338 glaucoma patients
using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through structured
interviews and chart reviews. Descriptive statistics and specific inferential analyses, including
binary and multivariable logistic regression, were performed using SPSS version 27. Statistical
significance was defined as a p-value <0.05.
Results: Among the 338 participants, 55% were male, and the mean age was 61.17 ± 13.28
years. The majority of patients (46.4%) had advanced-stage glaucoma. Medication adherence
was poor in 59% of patients, and only 48% demonstrated proper eye drop administration
techniques. Achievement of target IOP was suboptimal and was observed in only 40.5% of
participants. Multivariable logistic regression identified significant factors associated with IOP
control, including glaucoma stage (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.14–0.43), type of medication (AOR
= 3.23, 95% CI: 1.45–7.19), medication adherence (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.18–4.48), and
proper eye drop administration (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.04–2.98). Regarding quality of life,
outcomes were impaired, with only 48.5% of participants having good QoL. The mean
Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 (GQL-15) score was 35.12 ± 13.8. Better QoL was significantly
associated with stage of glaucoma (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.12–0.37), visual acuity (AOR = 0.44,
95% CI: 0.01–0.15), and educational level (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.18–5.08).
Conclusion: The findings indicate poor medication adherence, inappropriate administration
techniques, advanced-stage glaucoma, low education, and impaired vision significantly impact
treatment outcomes. Strategies include patient education, early detection, and targeted support.
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Keywords
Glaucoma, Intraocular Pressure, Medication Adherence, Quality of Life, eye drop administration