Correlates of adherence to respiratory drugs in COPD patients

Aims: To identify the correlates of accidental omissions and intentional interruptions of respiratory therapy in COPD. Methods: COPD patients (GOLD stages II-IV) were recruited by general practitioners or respiratory physicians. Patients reported in self-report questionnaires their adherence to respiratory drugs (over the past three months) and their perception of therapy. Results: 179 patients were included (mean age 63 years, 24% females). 45% forgot their respiratory therapy, while 30% interrupted it in the absence of any perceived benefit. The risks of accidental omissions were significantly higher when patients complained about having too many medications to take on a daily basis (OR=2.35; 95%CI=1.13-4.89), and among current smokers (OR=2.14; 95%CI=1.07-4.29). Females were more likely to interrupt therapy intentionally (OR=2.40; 95%CI=1.04-5.53). Surprisingly, there was no significant relationship with the number of drugs actually taken by patients. Conclusions: Adherence to respiratory drugs is inadequate in COPD patients. In order to improve adherence, patients' perception of the burden of therapy should not be overlooked. (C) 2010 Primary Care Respiratory Society UK. All rights reserved. L Laforest et al. Prim Care Resp J 2010; 19(2): 148-154 doi:10.4104/pcrj.2010.00004