Year: 2026 | Month: April-June | Volume: 11 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 78-86
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20260210
Patient Adherence and Device Preference in Inhalational Therapy Among COPD and Asthma Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Centre
Yogita S Karandikar1, Shahu A Ingole2, Paulami Deshmukh3, Siddhika Dua4
1Professor, Department of Pharmacology, 2Professor, Department of Pharmacology,
3Intern, Department of Pharmacology, 4Intern, Department of Pharmacology,
Smt Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune.
Corresponding Author: Yogita S Karandikar
ABSTRACT
Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is condition that can easily exacerbate if compliance and adherence to therapy are low. Successful management of COPD and asthma depends greatly on patients following inhalational therapy regimens and using prescribed devices correctly. Nevertheless, problems such as non-adherence, improper technique, and unsuitable device substitution frequently undermine treatment effectiveness.
Aim: The objectives of this study were to determine adherence of patients to prescribed therapy and to identify reasons and possible causes of low compliance to therapy.
Material and method: This Cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on OPD and IPD patients of COPD and asthma. Through the use of a pre-validated questionnaire, demographic details, current therapy and responses about adherence and therapeutic preference were collected.
Result: Out of 90 patients enrolled 77.8% demonstrated good adherence to inhalational therapy. The mean number of acute exacerbations experienced annually after starting therapy was 2.9 ± 1.4 attacks. A further 27.8% of non-adherent patients indicated that the timing of the medication during the day posed a challenge. Device preference was influenced by ease of use, availability, and prior instruction. 72.2% patients preferred MDI + Spacer, while 27.8% patients preferred DPI. Poor adherence was significantly associated with increased frequency of exacerbations (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Non-adherence and improper use of inhalational therapy remain major challenges. Patient education, standardized prescribing practices, and pharmacist training are essential to improve adherence and therapeutic outcomes. Personalized device selection based on patient capability and preference may further enhance treatment compliance.
Keywords: COPD, asthma, adherence, inhaler devices, device preference, inhalational therapy, exacerbation.