A study on drug adherence in adults with obstructive airway diseases and its correlation with socio-economic status and gender in a semi-urban multi-specialty hospital

• NIKHILA K GOVIND,  
• ARYA AJITH,  
• Harikrishnan Balakrishna,  
• SULFIYA S,*  
• HIBA FATHIMA K V

Abstract

Background: To effectively treat obstructive airway disorders (OADs), including bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), medication adherence is essential. Although there is little information on adherence habits in Indian semi-urban areas, poor adherence can lead to suboptimal outcomes Primary: To find the level of medication adherence in adults with Obstructive Airway Diseases & to find the association between medication adherence in adults with Obstructive Airway Diseases and their Socio-economic status and gender. Secondary: To assess the difference in drug adherence between single and multiple inhaler therapy. Methodology: A Cross-sectional study is performed in MGM Muthoot Medical Centre, Pathanamthitta among 100 participants diagnosed with obstructive airway diseases (OADs). Data regarding adherence will be collected using Morisky's Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) and SES by Modified Kuppuswamy's scale. Statistical analysis taken with the help of Chi-square tests, and p<0.05 is considered to be significant. Results: Among the population of patients, 49% had reported low adherence, 28% medium, and 23% high adherence. SES was significantly associated with adherence (p<0.05) as lower SES groups showed lower adherence. Gender and type of inhaler therapy did not impact adherence significantly. Conclusion : Socio-economic disparities enormously impact drug adherence among OADs. Therefore, the intervention focused on the lower SES becomes very important.

Keywords

: Obstructive airway diseases, drug adherence, socio-economic status, gender, inhaler therapy