HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (5) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Irvine, L. Articles by Clark, R.A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Irvine, L. Articles by Clark, R.A.

What predicts poor collection of medication among children with asthma? A case-control study

¹ Dept of Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, ² Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Napier University, Edinburgh, ³ Westgate Health Centre, Dundee, and ⁴ Dept of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, UK

CORRESPONDENCE: L. Irvine, Dept of Epidemiology & Public Health, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK. Fax: 44 1382 644197. E-mail: m.a.j.irvine@dundee.ac.uk

Keywords: asthma, case/control study, compliance, prophylactic medication

Received: December 10, 2001
Accepted June 9, 2002

This study was supported by a grant from the Scottish Executive Chief Scientist Office, Edinburgh, UK (Grant number K/OPR/2/2/D316).

Compliance with asthma medication is recognised to be a problem. Acquisition of medication is the first step towards compliance. Factors predicting poor collection of prophylactic medication were investigated.

A case/control study was conducted. Cases were children who had had at least two consultations for poorly controlled asthma in 1 yr and collected prescriptions of prophylactic medication irregularly. Controls were children whose prescriptions were collected as instructed.

Levels of knowledge about asthma and asthma medication were high in both groups. Parents of cases were more likely to perceive their child's asthma to be moderate or severe and more likely to report that their child's asthma was not well controlled. They reported more night-time symptoms, exercise symptoms and school absence. Parents of cases were less likely to report that administering inhalers was part of the evening routine. They were less likely to perceive their child's prophylactic medication to be very effective and more reluctant to administer prophylactic medication.

Some parents may decide to undertreat their children, although lack of organised routine may contribute to poor compliance. Parents need guidance on interpreting symptoms and support in establishing routines for the administration of medication.