Exploring the factors influencing the timely intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment in patients with diabetic macular edema: a qualitative interview study using the COM-B model.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To explore the factors influencing the untimely receipt of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME), based on the capability, opportunity, and motivation-behavior (COM-B) model.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with semi-structured interviews with DME patients who had received at least one injection of anti-VEGF therapy within one year. The COM-B model was utilized to guide both data collection and analysis.

Results

Themes and subthemes were identified. Psychological capability for timely intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment included lack of relevant knowledge and choice of more convenient treatments. Social opportunity included no mention of intravitreal anti-VEGF the

SUBMITTER: Li S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11849149 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature