[Rate of Correct Inhaler Usage and Related Factors in Elderly Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease]

Poor disease control in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with suboptimal inhaler use.

This study was designed to explore the accuracy of inhaler use and related factors in elderly patients with COPD.

A cross-sectional survey design was used to recruit patients with COPD from a medical centre in southern Taiwan who were over 65 years old and used inhalers regularly. All of the data as well as information on inhaler use accuracy were collected using a self-designed questionnaire and inhaler operation checklist. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse significant correlates of correct inhaler operation.

The average age of the 150 participants was 75.0 years (SD = 7.5) years. Most used one type of inhaler only (86.0%). The rate of accurate inhaler operation was 40.7% (n = 61) for the sample, with dry powder inhalers associated with the highest accuracy (64%) and pressurized metered-dose inhalers associated with the lowest accuracy (1.6%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that using a soft mist inhaler (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 23.29; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI [2.84, 191.07]), using a dry powder inhaler (AOR =15.60, 95% CI [1.99, 122.26]), and higher satisfaction with the inhaler were positively and independently associated with accurate inhaler use (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI [1.09, 3.44]).

Important factors related to inhaler use accuracy include inhaler type and level of patient satisfaction with their inhaler. Healthcare professionals should regularly confirm that older patients are able to use their inhalers correctly and are satisfied with their inhalers.