Saudi Journal of Medicine (SJM)
Volume-4 | Issue-01 | 7-11
Original Research Article
Factors Affecting Patient’s Compliance to Inhaled Medications in Asthma
Ashkar Manakkalavalappil, Sudha M.J, Thasvi Kareem, Ramani P.T
Published : Jan. 16, 2019
Abstract
Background: Asthma affects around 300 million people worldwide [1]. Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation. The current treatment regimen is low dose inhaled corticosteroids plus long – acting beta agonist (LABA). Effective control is achieved by taking inhaled medication in proper technique which lead to effective drug deposition in lung. Compliance with inhaled respiratory medications is 40-50%. Low value of 15% also reported [7]. Objective: Determination of compliance towards inhaled medication in asthma patients one year after being prescribed and factors influencing patient’s compliance to inhaled medication in asthma. Methodology: Compliance to inhaled medication assessed by standard set of questionnaires in 260 Asthma patient who were above 18 years from both sex taking inhaled medication for one year. Patient who attended pulmonary Medicine OPD from March 2016 to March 2017 were assessed. Results and Discussion: Mean age of the patient was 57.67 years. 65% of the patients were female. Among the 260 patients, 40% of the patients were having elementary school education. Percentage of patients using inhaler regularly is 26.6%. Percentage of patients trained to use inhaler properly is 23.9%. Good technique of using inhalers has significant association with proper training to use inhalers (P value – 0.0001) and also with proper counselling. (P value – 0.0001). There is also significant association between counselling regarding use of inhalers and its regular usage. Conclusion: Factors affecting the patient’s compliance to inhaled medication is proper counselling regarding the use of inhalers and proper training to use inhaler. Compliance can be improved by providing adequate knowledge about disease and its control, teaching the patients about correct technique of using inhaled medications