Associations between personality traits and adherence to treatment in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma in an African population

Background There is poor adherence to medication among patients with glaucoma, especially in people of African ancestry. The present study assessed the influence of personality traits on adherence to glaucoma medication among patients living with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) from an African population. Methods A clinic-based cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with POAG attending a specialist eye-care facility. Adapted and validated questionnaires for personality trait (The Big Five Inventory) and medication adherence (Medication Adherence Report Scale 5) were used. Results Self-reported adherence to glaucoma medication was 60.8%. The personality traits conscientiousness and agreeableness significantly predicted medication adherence but accounted for only 30.3% and 13.3% of the variance, respectively. Non-adherence to glaucoma medication was significantly predicted by the personality profiles neuroticism, extraversion and openness which, respectively, accounted for 61.7%, 20.3% and 13.3% of the variance in the personality trait assessment. Old age and longer use of glaucoma medications were also significantly associated with non-adherence to glaucoma medication. Conclusions Personality trait dimensions were significantly associated with glaucoma medication adherence in this at-risk population.