Predictive factors of non-adherence to asthma medication in pregnancy

Abstract

Background. Adherence to asthma medications is a significant problem among pregnant women. Objective. To evaluate asthma medication adherence in pregnant women and to determine the factors that may predict non-adherence in a real-life setting. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed with pregnant women with asthma followed in a specialized asthma consultation at the Pulmon-ology Department, between 2014 and 2019. Sociodemographic and clinical vari-ables were collected. Structured telephone interviews were conducted to determine regular medication use during pregnancy. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictive factors of asthma medication non-adherence (cessation or dose reduction). Results. A total of 82 pregnant women were included: mean age of 31.3 ± 6.5 years, non-adherence was detected in 29% (n = 24). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that mild asthma during pregnancy (OR 4.8; 95% CI 1.4-17.1; p = 0.015) and single, separated or divorced mothers (OR 4.0; 95% CI 1.3-11.8; p = 0.014) were independent predictors of poor adherence to asthma medications. Conclusions. Asthma severity and marital status can strongly predict the asthma medication non-adherence in pregnant females. These findings may help improve asthma education strategies to promote medication adherence.