Non-adherence to asthma medications: Relation to socio-economic status and asthma education

Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Adult Patients with Asthma: A Population-Based Cohort Study from UK Primary Care

“…Poorer medication adherence is frequently cited as a potential contributor to poorer asthma outcomes among disadvantaged groups, although evidence on the link between adherence and SES is inconsistent. 39 We found better adherence among the most deprived quintile of patients; however, it should be noted that we used the MPR to estimate adherence, which accurately captures ICS prescriptions, but may not correspond to the collection and effective use of these medications by patients. 40 Medications are inexpensive within the UK; they are free of charge to those receiving state benefits (including pensions) and require only a small (<£10 [$14]) co-payment for other patients, so substantial financial barriers to medication adherence are unlikely to exist among more deprived populations.…”

Improving Medication Adherence in Asthma

“…These patients may be nonadherent due to beliefs around the need for medication, trust in healthcare providers, or beliefs in alternative treatments. 29 89 90 Interventions aimed at improving intentional nonadherence in this population require a focus on their reasons for nonadherence. To improve adherence, several behavior-focused interventions have been developed, each targeting an aspect of this behavior.…”

“…There are several socioeconomic factors associated with adherence in asthma. 29 Generally these are linked to other "poor health behaviors" such as cigarette smoking which attenuates the effectiveness of corticosteroids, [30][31][32] poor attendance at scheduled clinic visits, and poverty which may impact access to clinicians and medications. 33 The high cost of asthma medications, in particular ICS/LABA treatment, cannot be underestimated as a driver of poor treatment adherence.…”