Medication Adherence in a Community Population with Uncontrolled Asthma

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Suboptimal medication use is a significant issue in managing asthma and allergic rhinitis, leading to persistent symptoms.
• Patients at high risk, specifically those with clinically uncontrolled asthma, often experience medication-related problems.
• Understanding medication management is crucial for improving patient outcomes in these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the extent and nature of medication-related issues affecting asthma control.
• To profile medication management practices in a high-risk population with uncontrolled asthma.
• To examine factors influencing medication adherence in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 363 participants recruited from Australian community pharmacies.
• Collection of dispensed medication history for the preceding 12 months to assess adherence.
• Assessment of asthma control, medication management, and factors affecting adherence.

Main Results:

• The average asthma control score indicated poorly controlled asthma (2.49 ± 0.89 SD).
• A substantial 72% of participants were non-adherent or had not initiated preventer therapy.
• High doses of inhaled corticosteroids were prescribed to nearly half, and 24% used oral corticosteroids; only 22% with allergic rhinitis used first-line treatment.

Conclusions:

• Suboptimal medication management is prevalent in at-risk populations with uncontrolled asthma.
• Factors such as healthcare concession status and hospital admissions were linked to better adherence.
• Interventions addressing medication adherence and management are needed to improve asthma control.