Assessment of compliance amongst asthma patients using anti-inflammatory medication, validating an instrument useful in quantifying inhaler consumption and identifying non-adherence : a pilot study

grantor: University of TorontoMany asthma patients do not adhere regularly to inhaled anti-inflammatory therapy, which is essential in controlling respiratory symptoms and preventing exacerbation in persistent asthma. The purpose of this pilot study was to begin the development of an interview-based instrument, which would estimate medication consumption accurately and detect non-compliance. A questionnaire, based on the literature and expert opinion, was designed and administered orally to recruited asthma volunteers in a semi-structured interview. Questions for which responses significantly correlated with medication consumption, as estimated by the patient's pharmacy record, were fitted into a multiple regression model. The regression model examined the patient's reported anti-inflammatory inhaler emptying rate, estimated forgetfulness with anti-inflammatory therapy and reported time elapsed since short-acting bronchodilator usage. These questions from our regression model were compiled into a revised version of our questionnaire, termed the Asthma Compliance Assessment Survey (ACAS), which had a sensitivity and specificity of 41% and 85% respectively.M.Sc