Prevalence, reasons, and factors associated with loss to follow-up in newly diagnosed glaucoma suspects and glaucoma patients in Thailand

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and reasons for discontinuation of follow-up among newly diagnosed glaucoma suspects and glaucoma patients. Patients newly diagnosed with glaucoma suspect, primary glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma within a 2-year period who had visited the ophthalmic outpatient department and had missed an appointment by at least 6 months were identified. These patients were traced via phone call, and reasons for discontinuing follow-up and knowledge about glaucoma were retrieved. We also identified factors associated with discontinuing treatment using univariable and multivariable regression analyses. During this period, 150 out of 2,742 patients were identified as lost to follow-up, representing a prevalence rate of 5.5%. The primary reason for participants discontinuing follow-up care was a lack of knowledge and understanding about glaucoma, reported by 61.7% of participants. The second most common reason was transportation issues, reported by 18.3%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, higher income; OR = 0.06 (0.01;0.54), awareness of glaucoma; OR = 0.18 (0.08;0.42), higher knowledge of glaucoma; OR = 0.01 (0.00;0.25) were protective factors of discontinuation of treatment.