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Misunderstanding of asthma controller medications: association with nonadherence
Harold J Farber1, Angela M Capra, Jonathan A Finkelstein
1Department of Pediatrics, Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center, Vallejo, California 94589, USA. harold.j.farber@kp.org
Summary
Parents who misunderstand the role of inhaled anti-inflammatory medication for asthma are less likely to adhere to daily use. Seeing a specialist and graduating high school were linked to better understanding.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Health Behavior Research
- Medication Adherence Studies
Background:
- Nonadherence to inhaled anti-inflammatory medication is a key factor in poorly controlled persistent asthma.
- Misunderstanding the preventive role of these medications may contribute to nonadherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if misunderstanding the role of inhaled anti-inflammatory medication correlates with decreased adherence.
- To identify factors associated with a higher risk of misunderstanding medication purpose.
Main Methods:
- Telephone interviews were conducted with parents of children with asthma insured by Medicaid.
- The study focused on children with persistent asthma using inhaled anti-inflammatory medication.
- Misunderstanding was defined as viewing the medication for symptom treatment rather than prevention.
Main Results:
- Among 571 children with persistent asthma using inhaled anti-inflammatory medication, 23% of parents misunderstood its role.
- Misunderstanding was significantly associated with decreased adherence (OR 0.18).
- Lower risk of misunderstanding was observed in children who saw a specialist (OR 0.42) or whose parents had graduated high school (OR 0.54).
Conclusions:
- Misunderstanding the role of inhaled anti-inflammatory medication is linked to reduced daily adherence in children with asthma.
- Educational interventions should clarify the preventive function of these medications.
- Factors like specialist care and parental education level may influence medication understanding.