Common Causes of Non-Compliance in the Use of Inhalers in Children 5 to 12 Years of Age with the Diagnosis of Asthma

Abstract

Objective: To determine the common causes of non-compliance when using inhaler therapy in pediatric
population at Gulab Devi Teaching Hospital, Lahore.
Method: In cross-sectional study, the Random sampling (purposive sampling) technique was used. The
study was carried out in the pediatrics department, Gulab Devi Teaching Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. SSPS
version 21 was used to evaluate the data.
Results: The present study comprised 100 Asthmatic patients, with an average age of 9.12 and a standard
deviation of 2.38. Out of a total of 100 patients, 37 (37%) were male and 63 (63%) were female patients. 26 %
had shown good compliance with the medication and 74% had shown noncompliance. Common factors of
non-compliance were affordability (40%), poor inhaler technique (19%) and social issues (15%).
Conclusion: Inhaled medications are the mainstay of treatment for asthma. Compliance of the patients
especially in the paediatric age group remains a great challenge. Common factors that were observed for non-
compliance were affordability, poor inhaler technique and social issues.

How to cite: Zafar A, Saleem S, Butt MAA, Butt MA, Mahmood S, Arif MM. Common Causes of Non-Compliance in the Use of
Inhalers in Children 5 to 12 Years of Age with the Diagnosis of Asthma. Esculapio - JSIMS 2022;18(03):297-299