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Symptom control and medication adherence in Japanese pediatric and adolescent asthma: A large-scale web-based
Shigemi Yoshihara1, Toshiko Itazawa2, Taiji Nakano3
1Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kita-Kobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan.
Insights
Pediatric asthma management in Japan faces challenges with guideline adherence and medication use, leading to poor control in many children, especially those with allergies. Improving patient education and addressing coexisting conditions are crucial for better asthma outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Public Health
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Pediatric asthma is a major public health issue in Japan.
- Inconsistent adherence to treatment guidelines and medication use is prevalent.
- Current management practices require evaluation for improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate current pediatric asthma management in Japan.
- To identify factors influencing asthma control.
- To inform future strategies for improved pediatric asthma care.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide web-based cross-sectional survey of 2000 caregivers of children (0-19 years) with asthma.
- Assessed asthma control, medication adherence, environmental exposures, and allergic comorbidities.
- Data collected from medical institutions across Japan.
Main Results:
- 65.8% of patients received treatment, but many lacked continuous guideline-based care.
- Low adherence to inhaled medications, particularly corticosteroids, was observed.
- 26.2% of patients had poor asthma control, especially children aged 0-3 years, linked to allergies and pet ownership.
Conclusions:
- Persistent challenges exist in pediatric asthma management, particularly for young children.
- Coexisting allergic diseases significantly impact asthma control.
- Enhanced patient education, guideline adherence, and management of comorbidities are essential for improved asthma control.
Background:
Pediatric asthma remains a significant public health concern in Japan, where adherence to updated treatment guidelines and consistent medication use is inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate current pediatric asthma management practices and identify areas for improvement to inform future strategies.
Methods:
A nationwide, web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among caregivers of children and adolescents aged 0-19 years diagnosed with asthma and receiving care at medical institutions across Japan. The survey assessed asthma control levels and examined factors such as medication adherence, environmental exposures, and coexisting allergic diseases.
Results:
Among all participants (n = 2000), 65.8 % were on some treatment regimen, but many patients were not receiving continuous guideline-based treatment. Adherence to inhaled medications, especially corticosteroids, was low. Despite treatment, 26.2 % of patients had poor asthma control, particularly among children aged 0-3 years. Poor control was significantly associated with comorbid allergic conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, hay fever, atopic dermatitis, pet ownership, and a family history of asthma.
Conclusion:
The findings highlight persistent challenges in pediatric asthma management, particularly among young children. Although asthma treatment is widely prescribed, many patients remain uncontrolled. Coexisting allergic diseases play a crucial role in asthma control. Improving asthma management requires enhanced patient education, adherence to treatment guidelines, and addressing coexisting conditions. Additionally, improving pet ownership environments is critical, as it is associated with poor asthma control. To enhance asthma control, it is also necessary to monitor medication adherence and assess inhaler techniques.
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