Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the influencing factors of adherence to inhalers in patients with COPD and asthma, providing reference for improving the adherence to inhalers of patients with asthma and COPD.
Methods
A questionnaire was designed based on Anderson's model, and used to investigate the influencing factors of adherence to inhalers in COPD or asthma patients who were discharged inpatients or outpatients and had previously been prescribed inhalers in the respiratory departments of three tertiary hospitals in Zunyi City.
Results
Only 25.90% of patients demonstrate good adherence to inhalers. When combined with the Anderson model, the influencing factors of inhaler adherence in COPD and asthma patients can be summarized as follows: contextual characteristics (residential status, management of chronic illness cards), individual characteristics (disease condition, family history, medication beliefs) and outcomes (health status).
Conclusion
The medication adherence to inhalers in patients with COPD and asthma falls far short of being satisfactory. Pharmacists should collaborate with physician, nurses, communities, and patients' families, to proactively implement interventions targeting influencing factors of medication adherence to inhalers in patients with COPD and asthma. This will help improve patients' adherence to inhalers and, subsequently, enhance their quality of life.