Child and caregiver reported problems in using asthma medications and question-asking during paediatric asthma visits

Int J Pharm Pract. 2014 Feb;22(1):69-75. doi: 10.1111/ijpp.12043. Epub 2013 May 29.

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to describe the extent to which lay caregivers and children who reported asthma medication problems asked medication questions during their medical visits.

Methods: Children with asthma ages 8 through 16 years and their caregivers were recruited at five paediatric practices and their medical visits were audiotape recorded. Children were interviewed after their medical visits and caregivers completed questionnaires. A home visit was conducted 1 month later. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyse the data.

Key findings: Two hundred and ninety six families participated. Among those caregivers who reported asthma medication problems, only 35% had asked at least one medication question during the visit. Among children who reported asthma medication problems, only 11% had asked at least one medication question during their consultation. Caregivers and children who reported a problem with their asthma medications were significantly more likely to have asked medication questions if providers had asked more questions about control medications. Children who reported higher asthma management self-efficacy were significantly more likely to have asked an asthma medication question.

Conclusions: Only one in three caregivers and one in 10 children who reported an asthma medication problem asked a question during their medical visits and many still reported these problems 1 month later. Pharmacists should encourage caregivers and children to report problems they may be having using their asthma medications.

Keywords: adherence; asthma; communication; paediatric.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Asthma / drug therapy*
  • Asthma / nursing
  • Caregivers* / psychology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Patient Medication Knowledge*
  • Patients* / psychology
  • Self Efficacy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents