The The Relationship of Prescribed Inhaled Medications Adherence and Asthma Exacerbation: An Outpatient-Based Study in Aceh Province Hospital, Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26911/thejhpb.2026.11.02.03Abstract
Background: Adherence to inhaler medication and appropriate pharmacotherapy is essential for optimal asthma control. Therefore, this study aimed to measure self-reported adherence and identify associations between inhaler adherence and asthma intensification.
Subjects and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient pulmonary department of Zainoel Abidin Hospital, Aceh Province, Indonesia, in 2024. A total of 35 clinically confirmed asthma patients were interviewed. The main variables analyzed were asthma exacerbations and inhaler adherence. Inhaler adherence was measured using the Medication Adherence Report Scale Asthma (MARS-A) consisting of 10 items. Descriptive and multivariable tests were used to assess risk factors for poor inhaler adherence.
Results: Duration of inhaler use was significantly associated with adherence. Patients who had used inhalers for >7.5 years showed higher odds of adherence than those who had used inhalers for <7.5 years (100.0% vs. 62.5%; OR=14.11; 95% CI=0.74 to 267.61; p=0.033). This finding indicates that longer inhaler-use experience was associated with better adherence, although the wide confidence interval suggests limited precision of the estimate.
Conclusion: Patient education about inhalers plays a crucial role in asthma treatment. The duration of inhaler usage influenced adherence, making it essential to implement interventions that support long-term use. These interventions can enhance the quality of life of asthma patients and reduce the risk of exacerbations.
Keywords:
asthma, adherence therapy, exacerbationHow to Cite
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