| Learning Objective #1: Identify two methods to assess children's compliance with prescribed inhaled asthma medications | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Identify two variables that influence children's compliance with prescribed inhaled asthma medications |
OBJECTIVE: Asthma is increasing in frequency and severity particularly in low income children. The purpose of this study was to assess low income children’s utilization of their metered dose inhaler (MDI) and variables related to compliance with prescribed medication.
DESIGN: A descriptive correlational design was used. Children’s use of their MDI was videotaped in their home and their frequency of use of their inhaled medications was assessed by a computerized monitor on the child’s MDI.
POPULATION: SAMPLE, SETTING, YEAR: Data were collected from November 2001 to October 2002. Fifty children ages 6-12 who were prescribed daily asthma medications were recruited from one inner city hospital serving low income families.
CONCEPTS STUDIED/VARIABLES: Key variables were MDI technique, percent of prescribed medication taken during a two week period, child’s and caregiver’s knowledge of asthma, child’s and caregiver’s depressive symptoms, and child’s age.
METHODS: Nurses conducted home visits at which they videotaped the children’s use of their MDI and attached a Computer monitor to the child’s MDI. Nurses also collected data on child’s and caregiver’s asthma knowledge and on variables thought to be predictors of compliance. The monitoring device was returned two weeks later and the child’s percent of compliance calculated.
FINDINGS: Data are currently being analyzed. Findings to date indicate that many children do not use a spacer and thus do not receive the full benefit of their inhaled medications. A few children received less than 50% of their prescribed medications during the two week period.
CONCLUSIONS: A combination of videotaped assessment of a child’s use of a metered dose inhaler and a computer monitor on the child’s metered dose inhaler are useful methods of assessing compliance with medication regimens.
IMPLICATIONS: Findings from this study may be useful in providing guidance to clinicians working with children with persistent asthma.
Back to Posters
Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003