Adherence to pediatric asthma treatment in economically disadvantaged african-american children and adolescents: An application of growth curve analysis

Abstract

Objectives: The primary aims of the study were to: (a) describe the trajectories of adherence to daily inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) medication for a year in economically disadvantaged, African-American youth with asthma based on growth curve modeling; and (b) test the relationship of treatment adherence to symptom control, quick-relief medication, and healthcare utilization.Methods: This prospective study measured adherence to daily ICS treatment using electronic monitoring in 92 children and adolescents with moderate to severe asthma for 9-12 months and assessed clinical outcomes, including asthma-related symptoms, quick-relief medication, and healthcare utilization.Results: Youth showed a decrement in treatment adherence to less than half of prescribed corticosteroid treatment over the course of the study, which related to increased healthcare utilization (p