Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The correct use of inhaled medicines and patient’s adherence to therapy are truly significant, which make a positive contribution to disease, reduce acute exacerbations of COPD or hospitalization.

Methods: A cross – sectional description was conducted on 79 inpatients firmly diagnosed COPD at Neuroendocrine - Respiratory and General Geriatric Department at Hue Central hospital.

Results: The percentage of patients use MDI and DPI delivery is 59.7% and 72.0% respectively. The step that patients frequently get wrong when using MDI is holding breath after inhaling MDI (50.7%), and exhaling away from the inhaler (47.8%). When using DPI delivery, the common error is also exhaling away from the inhaler (38.0%) and holding breath in 5-10 seconds, and then exhale slowly through mouth or nose (62.0%). The percentage of adherence in patients is 57.0%. The factors associated with medication adherence in patients with COPD are: occupation (p=0.001), economic status (p=0.005), the understanding of healthcare professional’s instruction (p=0.030), and inhaler technique (p=0.024).

Conclusion: The factors associated with medication adherence in patients with COPD are: occupation, economic status, the understanding of healthcare professional’s instruction, and inhaler technique. Patients that practice inhaler delivery correctly can easily approach medication adherence.