Khảo sát việc sử dụng thuốc hít và những rào cản trong quản lý bệnh nhân hen, COPD điều trị ngoại trú tại Bệnh viện Trung ương Quân đội 108

Chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pose significant global health challenges, often requiring long-term medication with inhalers. However, patient adherence to treatment regimens and proper inhaler technique remain suboptimal worldwide, leading to poor disease control, increased exacerbations, hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs. In Vietnam, recent studies also highlight alarmingly low adherence rates among patients with these conditions. This context underscores the critical importance of investigating the current state of inhaler use and identifying the barriers to effective management. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes in outpatient settings.

Healthcare professionals, especially pulmonologists, nurses, pharmacists, and public health researchers involved in the management of asthma and COPD.

This study investigated the critical issues of treatment adherence and inhaler technique among outpatients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at the 108 Military Central Hospital. Employing a cross-sectional design, researchers collected data from 322 patients between March and May 2025 through structured interviews and direct observation using a standardized checklist for inhaler technique. The findings revealed a low treatment adherence rate of merely 33.3%, with common non-adherence behaviors including forgetting medication (40.5%) and self-discontinuation or dose reduction when symptoms improved (33%). Furthermore, significant inhaler technique errors were prevalent, notably in exhaling fully before inhalation (70.3% for MDI, 81.9% for DPI) and breath-holding after inhalation (79.1% for MDI). The study also identified major barriers, encompassing financial constraints (79.8%), physical difficulties in handling inhalers (83.5%), and a notable lack of guidance when patients were uncertain about correct technique (58.1%). These results underscore the urgent need for enhanced patient support. The implications suggest that strengthened counseling, regular reassessment of inhaler technique, and comprehensive patient education are essential to overcome these barriers, ultimately aiming to improve disease management outcomes and the overall quality of life for patients with asthma and COPD.