Improving adherence to medication regimens for children with asthma and its effect on clinical outcome.
We examined the effects of a combined education and token system intervention to improve adherence to inhaled corticosteroids for an 8-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy with asthma. Adherence was measured by an electronic chronolog monitor, and disease outcome was assessed by repeated pulmonary function testing. A withdrawal design demonstrated improved adherence and, for 1 child, an associated improvement in pulmonary function occurred. Methodological and clinical implications are discussed, including variables other than adherence that may affect disease outcome.
da Costa
I G
IG
University of Kansas, Kansas City, USA.
Rapoff
M A
MA
Lemanek
K
K
Goldstein
G L
GL
D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012646:Self Administration / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D014040:Token Economy; D016896:Treatment Outcome