Factors Associated with the Appropriate Use of Asthma Drugs

BACKGROUND: When used properly, asthma drugs can reduce asthma-related morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of asthma drugs, and to identify factors associated with appropriateness of use among patients 12 to 45 years of age.

METHODS: Asthmatic patients were interviewed about their asthma drug(s) use and the factors potentially associated with appropriateness of use according to the 2003 Canadian Asthma Consensus Conference guidelines. To determine the factors associated with the appropriate use of asthma drugs, a multivariate logistic regression model was built using a stepwise procedure, and ORs and associated 95% CIs were calculated.

RESULTS: Of the 349 study participants, 43 (12.3%) reported appropriate use of their asthma drugs. Respondents who were more likely to report appropriate use were patients with sound knowledge of their asthma drugs (OR 2.61 [95% CI 1.29 to 5.29]), those in good, very good or excellent self-perceived health (OR 3.37 [95% CI 1.31 to 8.71]), those who had consulted a specialist during the preceding year (OR 2.28 [95% CI 1.05 to 4.97]) and those who declared themselves short of drugs due to a lack of money (OR 2.78 [95% CI 1.26 to 6.17]).

CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study suggested that recommendations in the current guidelines regarding the appropriate use of asthma medications are being poorly implemented. Educational interventions with the aim of improving quality of care and knowledge about asthma drugs should be offered.