Press Conference at ERS Annual Congress 2012: Connection between Parental Problems and Children's Non-Adherence to Asthma Medication

Professor Paul Brand, Princess Amalia children's Clinic, The Netherlands presented a study on parental problems which prevent children taking much-needed asthma medication.

The motive of realising this investigation is the indeterminacy of major barriers which many little patients face while asthma treatment. The research was based not only on clinical cases, but mostly on discussion of hows and whys of (non)adherence. A part of qualitative study consisted in recording and analysing of factors associated with family lifestyles which could be causing low adherence to asthma medication.  

It was established that there are several types of users:

1) Followers manifest stable adherence to doctor's prescriptions.  These are highly disciplined parents who are always aware of giving the medicine to their children. 

2) Self-managers usually look closely at how child is doing. They have a high observation spirit and link the treatment to their schedule. 

3) A highly variable adherence is typical for Strugglers who follow the medication in a disordered way.

4) Chaotic users belong to the families with lower education. They never force the child and are even shocked when the kids do not take the medication. They think of a child as of an adult who is responsible and can do everything by himself.

In-depth interviews have shown that the lifestyle factors often hide behind children's non-adherence to the prescribed medication. It was concluded that parenting problems can be the reasons of ineffective following of the treatment.

Therefore it would be reasonable if doctors would give a genuine interest in what happens with the patient and would encourage the parents to keep a close eye on their child's adherence. Otherwise it will be impossible to reveal and to remove the barriers preventing the appropriate asthma treatment in children.

Liudmila CORLATEANU,
Respiratory Decade Official Media-Representative at ERS 2012 Vienna Congress

Today is World Asthma Day 2012!

Asthma is a serious global health problem. People of all ages in countries throughout the world are affected by this chronic airway disorder that, when uncontrolled, can place severe limits on daily life and is sometimes fatal. The prevalence of asthma is increasing in most countries, especially among children. Asthma is a significant burden, not only in terms of health care costs but also of lost productivity and reduced participation in family life.

GINA

GINA's (Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention) presents a comprehensive plan to manage asthma with the goal of reducing chronic disability and premature deaths while allowing patients with asthma to lead productive and fulfilling lives. 

GINA is a global guidelines which unites all our actual knowledge about treatment of this chronic disorder. It is updated every year, we are presenting you the last update which was published in December 2011. 

 

WE ARE CONGRATULATING EVERYBODY WITH THIS IMPORTANT DAY! HAPPY WORLD ASTHMA DAY 2012!

2012 International Guidelines on Rhinitis, Asthma and COPD: Italian Update of Global Initiatives ARIA, GINA and GOLD

These days in Modena, Italy (28 February-2 March 2012) is taking place Congress 2012 International Guidelines on Rhinitis, Asthma and COPD Global Initiatives ARIA, GINA and GOLD.

I invite you to see free online and directly all presentations from this important Respiratory event. Speakers are world known leaders of opinion in Respiratory Medicine from Italy and from all over the world.

Today is day dedicated to Asthma and will be many interesting presentations: 

IgE, anti-IgE and remodelling in allergic asthma by Professor Klaus F. Rabe, President of European Respiratory Society;

Novel therapies for asthma and COPD by Professor Leonardo M. Fabbri

Viral infections and asthma by Professor Alberto Papi.

Please watch live translation HERE

Pin It