Adherence to pharmacological therapy in adolescents with ADHD and asthma

Adherence as a multidimensional phenomenon includes factors related to the patient, the condition, treatment, health system and the socio-economic conditions. Low adherence to long-term treatment affects the treatment and in turn affects the health and function. Previous studies have shown that personality, the patient's perception of the disease, drug / side effects and quality of care are important factors that affect adherence behaviour. When it comes to ADHD and asthma among youth, there are a number of knowledge gaps in these areas.

The aim is to investigate how personality, the patient's perception of the disease and treatment affect adherence to long-term pharmacological treatment in adolescents with ADHD and asthma. The sample of the study will consist of adolescents with ADHD and asthma (150 each) aged 13-17 years who have contact with Youth psychiatry, respectively paediatric allergy unit. Young people and their carers will be asked to fill out questionnaires separately on compliance and understanding of ADHD / asthma associated with ambulatory visits. This includes questionnaires on their perception of drugs, if the treatment had been of help, as well as side effects and personality traits.

The significance of the increased knowledge about the factors that affect adherence behaviour may lead to the correct support measures are introduced, which in turn provides better adherence and health.

Participating researcher at University West
Maria Emilsson

External funding
FORSS

Duration
2014-2017