A study on the compliance of the patients with ocular fundus diseases.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the compliance of the patients with ocular fundus diseases with recommendation for follow-up examination after laser treatment, and the underlying reasons for non-compliance. METHODS: 53 patients with ocular fundus disease were asked to fill in a questionnaire which includes the socio-demographic characteristics, fear of the fundus disease, conception of the laser treatment and the motivation for staying healthy. Variables were compared for the compliers group and the non-compliers group by chi-square test. RESULT: Of the 53 subjects, 35 were classified as non-compliers and 18 were classified as compliers. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups on all selected socio-demographic factors, conception of the laser treatment and the motivation for staying healthy. Significant difference was found between the two groups on two of those items concerning the fear of the diseases (P < 0.05). About half of the participants showed the lack of knowledge about the laser treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed the poor compliance of the patients with fundus disease. Patient's health beliefs influenced their compliance status.