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| Authors | M M. Cordina J VASSALLO A G Fenech R Ellul-Micallef J Azzopardi J M Cacciottolo |
| Abstract | Background: Lack of adherence to inhaled glucocorticoid (GC) therapy in asthma is a well-documented problem. These medications are inconvenient to use and do not offer any immediate perceivable benefit to the patient. Studies at times have shown that poor adherence leads to increased morbidity associated with this condition. Aim: To quantify the degree of non-adherence to inhaled glucocorticoid therapy in patients attending a specialist out-patient asthma clinic and to identify potential predictors of barriers to adherence. Method: A total of 105 consecutive patients attending a specialist out-patients asthma clinic at the teaching state hospital were interviewed. Adherence to inhaled GCs was assessed using a modified version of the brief medication questionnaire (BMQ). Demographic data and information regarding number of medications being taken by the patient, total daily dose of inhaled GCs and severity based on lung function tests were also collected. Inhaler technique was assessed and the degree of anxiety was measured. Data was analysed using BMDP statistical package. Results: All the 105 patients interviewed indicated some degree of non-adherence and barriers to adherence The mean ARS score was 2:13 0:82 (mean SD) with 69.3% of patients having a score of 2 and over. Patients with mild persistent asthma reported less barriers to the regimen screen than those with intermittent asthma (p , 0.05). Patients who had a positive regimen screen were taking a lower dose of inhaled glucocorticoids than those who reported a negative screen (p , 0.05) and also had lower scores for inhaler technique (p , 0.05). The mean total daily dose of inhaled glucocorticoids was higher in patients having a positive recall screen than those having a negative screen (p , 0.001). Conclusion: The present study further highlights the problem of non-adherence to the use of inhaled glucocorticoids. The positive recall screen indicates sporadic non-adherence, which could be addressed by adjusting the patients dosage schedule and simplifying the regimen. |
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| Journal | Pharmacy Education |
| Volume | Vol. 4 (3/4) |
| Pages | 217 - 217 |
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| Key words | Inhaled Glucocorticoid Therapy, Asthma, Adherence, pharmacy |