Factors influencing parental medication adherence in pediatric asthma

PURPOSE: To identify the factors influencing parental medication control behaviors (inhaling corticosteroids and medication-taking) in pediatric asthma management. METHODS: A specially-designed questionnaire survey was conducted on 942 parents with asthmatic children in hospitals and elementary schools. RESULTS: Factor analysis on inhalation behaviors resulted in five factors: understanding of benefit, mastering on inhalation skills and medication management, family support, anxiety of side effects, and explanation from a doctor (cumulative contribution ratio=51.3%). Factor analysis on medication-taking behavior resulted in five factors: understanding of medication effectiveness and benefit, family support, anxiety of side effects, skills on giving medicines, and family routine (cumulative contribution ratio=50.6%). CONCLUSION: The results indicate the importance of recognizing factors influencing parental medication control behaviors in developing education strategies to maintain and reinforce their asthma management behaviors.