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Evaluation of factors affecting adherence to asthma controller therapy in chest clinics in a sub-Saharan African setting: a cross-sectional study


Bertrand Hugo Mbatchou Ngahane
Eric Walter Pefura-Yone
Maïmouna Mama
Bruno Tengang
Motto Malea Nganda
Adeline Wandji
Ubald Olinga
Emmanuel Nyankiyé
Emmanuel Afane Ze
Christopher Kuaban

Abstract

Background: Adherence to controller therapy in asthma is a major concern during the management of the disease.

Objective: To determine the adherence rate and identify the predictors of low adherence to asthma controller therapy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study including asthma patients was conducted from November 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013 in 4 chest clinics in Cameroon. The adherence to asthma treatment was rated using Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for the identification of factors associated with adherence to asthma treatment.

Results: Among the 201 asthma patients included, 133 (66.2%) were female. The mean age of participants was 41.2 years. Sixty-one (30.3%) of the patients did not visit the chest physician during the last year prior to the study. Asthma was well controlled in 118 patients (58.7%). The prevalence of low adherence rate to asthma controller therapy was 44.8% and the absence of any chest specialist visit within the last 12 months was the only factor associated with the low adherence rate to asthma treatment (OR 5.57 ; 95% CI 2.84–10.93).

Conclusion: The adherence rate to asthma controller therapy in Cameroon is low and it could be improved if scheduled visits are respected by patients.

Keywords: Allergy, medication adherence, Africa


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eISSN: 1729-0503
print ISSN: 1680-6905