RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 What predicts poor collection of medication among children with asthma? A case-control study
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 1464
OP 1469
DO 10.1183/09031936.02.00302102
VO 20
IS 6
A1 L. Irvine
A1 I.K. Crombie
A1 E.M. Alder
A1 R.G. Neville
A1 R.A. Clark
YR 2002
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/20/6/1464.abstract
AB 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. This study was supported by a grant from the Scottish Executive Chief Scientist Office, Edinburgh, UK (Grant number K/OPR/2/2/D316).