title: Medication adherence patterns in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
abstract: While medical treatment of COPD has advanced, the failure to adhere to regimens for medication poses a significant barrier to effective management. Furthermore, no data are available regarding adherence for patients within the United States. Data from this investigation indicate that 78 outpatients from a medical center in the southeastern region of the United States were prescribed an average of 6.26 medications with both various dosing schedules and different modes of administration. Adherence was poor, with 42 patients (54 percent) underutilizing medications, 39 patients (50 percent) overutilizing medications during periods of respiratory distress, and 24 patients (31 percent) employing ineffective inhaler dosing techniques. Prescription patterns and adherence were not associated with demographic variables; however, adherence was related to classes of medication and situational variables.
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama, Behavioral Medicine Unit, Birmingham.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Dolce
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Crisp
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Manzella
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hardin
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Bailey
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000407:Alabama / Q000453:epidemiology; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012646:Self Administration / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents