Risk Factors for Non-Adherence to Inhaled Corticosteroids in Preschool Children with Asthma

Abstract

Non-adherence to asthma controllers increases morbidity among school-aged children. This study aimed to determine non-adherence risk factors in preschool children with asthma. We investigated 172 children aAR:2.34 [1.10;4.98], p = 0.03), oral corticosteroids (aAR:2.45 [1.13;5.34], p = 0.026) or redeeming a short-acting b2-agonist prescription (aAR:2.91 [1.26;6.74], p = 0.015). Further, atopic comorbidity was associated with increased adherence (aAR:1.18 [1.01;1.37], p = 0.039), whereas having a first degree relative with asthma was associated with worse adherence (aAR:0.44 [0.23;0.84], p = 0.015). This study found poor adherence to ICS among three quarters of preschool children with asthma. Increasing adherence was associated with atopic comorbidity and loss of control events, whereas lower adherence was associated with atopic predisposition. These findings should be considered to improve adherence in preschool children with asthma.

Keywords

• adherence
• asthma
• preschool children
• risk factors
• inhaled corticosteroids