Reported Problems and Adherence in Using Asthma Medications Among Adolescents and Their Caregivers

Many factors affect youth adherence to asthma medications. Better understanding of the relationship between problems reported by youth in using asthma medications, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and adherence is needed.

The study examined the relationship between youth and caregiver problems in using asthma medications, asthma management self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and youth- and caregiver-reported adherence to asthma controller medications.

Adolescents with persistent asthma and their caregivers were recruited at 4 pediatric practices. Youth were interviewed after their medical visit while caregivers completed a questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the data.

Of 359 participating youth, 319 were on controller medications. Youth reported 60% average adherence, whereas caregivers reported 69%. Youth who reported difficulty using their inhaler correctly and youth who reported difficulty remembering to take their medications were significantly less likely to be adherent. Caregivers who reported that it was hard to remember when to give the asthma medications were significantly less likely to report their child being adherent. Both youth and caregivers with higher outcome expectations were significantly more likely to self-report being adherent.

Pharmacists and other health care providers should consider asking youth and caregivers about problems in using asthma medications, self-efficacy in managing asthma, and outcome expectations for following treatment regimens, so that they can help youth overcome difficulties they might have in managing their asthma.