Adherence level evaluation to inhalers in outpatients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from Carlos Andrade Marin Hospital (in Spanish)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Low adherence to treatments solves a serious health problem worldwide, it is associated with increased mortality, frequent exacerbations, worse control and greater cost. In respiratory diseases, the inhalation route is the preferred route for its greater efficacy and fewer side effects. The TAI consists of two complementary questionnaires: the 10-item questionnaires, and the 12-item questionnaire that identifies the type of non-compliance. Objective: To determine the prevalence of misuse of inhalers among patients with asthma and COPD by applying the TAI. Materials and methods: Cross-period analytical epidemiological design that included 121 patients who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria, to whom the TAI was applied. Results: The prevalence of poor adherence in asthmatics was 83,33% and 13,33% in COPD. Regarding gender, the prevalence of poor adherence in men was 15,28% and in women 40,82%, with a p <0.05, it was shown that there is a higher level of poor adhesion in women when compared to men. In patients with primary education level, when compared with those at the secondary and higher level, no significant difference was found. Conclusion: Asthmatic patients have a higher prevalence of poor adherence to inhalers when compared to patients with COPD.