Title:Adherence in Asthma
VOLUME: 11 ISSUE: 3
Author(s):Haley M. Cote, Douglas R. Allington, Kendra A. Procacci, Hayley K. Blackburn and Michael P. Rivey
Affiliation:University of Montana, Missoula, MT/Community Medical Center, Missoula, MT 59812, USA.
Keywords:Adherence, asthma, barriers, consequence, demographics, inhaled corticosteroid, nonadherence.
Abstract:Medication nonadherence has an unfavorable effect on asthma outcomes in both adult and
pediatric patients. In asthma, nonadherence is associated with more frequent exacerbations, increased
emergency room visits, and higher costs. Thus, understanding risk factors for nonadherence and
identifying barriers to good adherence is crucial. Although adults and pediatric patients share many
risk factors for nonadherence, methods to optimize adherence differ. Measuring adherence can be
challenging and methods to do so have not been well-defined. The aim of this review is to identify risk
factors for, and define consequences of, nonadherence and to suggest methods to measure and improve
adherence for both adults and pediatrics.
