A hospital-based exploration of medication adherence among outpatients with COPD: implications for clinical practice

Pharmacy Practice

  • Anan S. Jarab1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
  • Walid Al-Qerem2Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan.
  • Karem H. Alzoubi3Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE., 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
  • Shrouq R. Abu Heshmeh1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
  • Enaam M Al Momany4Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, The Hashemite University, Jordan.
  • Yazid N Al Hamarneh5Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Canada.
  • Tareq Mukattash1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
  • Judith Eberhardt6Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, United Kingdom.
  • Salah Aburuz7Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates.
  • Amal Akour7Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates., 8Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, The School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

Volume 23 Issue 2 Pages 1-9

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2025.2.3142

Abstract

Background: The management of COPD typically involves a multifaceted approach and a complex treatment regimen. Poor adherence to prescribed medications can lead to worsened symptoms, increased exacerbations, and reduced quality of life among patients with COPD. Objective: This study aimed to assess medication adherence and associated factors in outpatients with COPD, which remain insufficiently investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at outpatient respiratory clinics in two major Jordanian hospitals. Data collection included sociodemographic and medical parameters. Medication adherence was assessed using a validated Arabic 4-item scale. Logistic regression was conducted to identify the variables associated with medication adherence. Results: Of the 702 participants, 68% reported poor medication adherence. Key determinants of medication adherence included age, inhaler technique, knowledge, comorbidities, concerns about side effects, dosing frequency, disease duration, and depression. Conclusion: Medication adherence in COPD patients, particularly in the elderly, and those with comorbidities, depression, and longer disease duration, is inadequate. Effective counselling and more convenient medication regimens are essential to improving adherence in this patient population.

Keywords

  • COPD
  • adherence
  • medication
  • inhaler
  • patient
Pharmacy Practice

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