Assessment of compliance to treatment among ambulatory asthmatic patients in a secondary health care facility in nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the level of compliance using three different methods: pill count, self report and peak expiratory flow rate, in asthmatic patients attending a secondary health care facility. Self report (using a pre-tested structured questionnaire), peak expiratory flow rate and pill count were used to assess patient’s compliance and identify the factors which may be responsible for non compliance. Measurement of peak expiratory flow rate and the pill count were done at two different occasions. The data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study showed that the patients were prescribed a range of one to four drugs: 54% (3 drugs), 32% (2 drugs), 8% (4 drugs) and 2% (1 drug). The levels of compliance were 86.57% for self report and 83.56% for pill count (p > 0.05). Reasons given for non compliance were: apparent wellness (33.31%), forgetfulness (26.67%), cost of drugs (6.67%), dysphagia (6.67%), presence of non-disturbing symptoms (6.67%), side effects (6.67%), ignorance/fear of addiction (6.67%), perceived lack of benefit from treatment (6.67%), and lethargy towards chronic medication (6.67%). However, there was a significant difference in the readings of the peak expiratory flow rate measured at two different occasions (p < 0.05). The study showed no significant difference in the methods used to assess the level of compliance. Non compliance can be overcome by proper education of patients on the importance of complying with the administration of medication and proper usage of metered dose devices.