Adherence to Treatment among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Erbil City

Abstract

Background : Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is now widely recognized as a major global public health problem.

Objectives: this study aims to assess the level of adherence to treatment among COPD patients and relationship with some variables in the study.
Methodology: A cross sectional study design was undertaken among 75 COPD patients in 2015, to collect the data the questionnaire was used according objective of study through interviewing in 20 minutes. It is including demographic information and adherence to treatment; data were analysis by descriptive and inferential statistics

Result: The total mean score of adherence to treatment 25.65 ± 9.91. Majority of COPD patients was not adherence to treatment 61.3% and a major factor for non-adherence is forgetfulness. There were significant association between level of adherence and age (p=0.019), gender (p=0.018), level of education (p=0.002), readmission to hospital (p=0.011) and cigarette smoking (p= 0.017).

Conclusion: According to results of the study most of COPD patients were poor adherence in physical exercise and effective cough. In general, more than half of COPD patients were poor adherence to treatment.

Recommendation: Nurses should set up a set of standard nursing care activities that promote the understanding of adherence to treatment among COPD patients.