Adherencia al tratamiento inhalatorio en pacientes con asma o EPOC en un establecimiento de atención primaria de salud

Abstract

Introduction: Treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes medications administered through inhalers. For optimal results, it is essential that patients adhere to the treatment and perform the inhalation correctly. This study aimed to evaluate adherence to inhala­tion therapy and describe the pattern of non-compliance in patients with asthma or COPD. Method: A cross-sectional analytical descriptive study was conducted using the 12-item Inhaler Adherence Test, applied to patients with asthma or COPD in permanent monitoring. Results: A total of 222 patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 63 years of which 63.5% were women. Patients with asthma showed good adherence levels in 22.7%, intermediate levels in 36.0%, and low levels in 41.2%. COPD patients exhibited good adherence levels in 36%, intermediate in 36.8%, and low in 27.2%. In general, 60.8% showed an “erratic” non-compliance pattern, 42.3% “deliberate”, and 62.6% “unconscious”. In addi­tion, 50.9% made at least one critical error in the inhalation technique. The diagnosis of COPD, along with fewer medications and comorbidities, was associated with a higher likelihood of achieving good adherence to treatment. Conclusion: Patients with asthma and COPD show low levels of adherence to inhalation therapy, with frequent critical errors in their technique. According to our study, patients with COPD, the number of comorbidities and medications are relevant elements to consider in the level of adherence of users.