Analysis of Inhaler Technique and Treatment Adherence among Outpatients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease at Dong Da General Hospital in 2025

Abstract

Objective: To analyze inhaler use and assess treatment adherence among outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at Dong Da General Hospital. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted through direct interviews with COPD patients to evaluate inhaler technique and treatment adherence. Results: A high proportion of patients demonstrated incorrect inhaler technique, with 68.5% in the MDI group and 67.9% in the DPI group. The most common errors were poor coordination between actuation and inhalation for MDI (40.7%) and failure to exhale fully before inhalation for DPI (39.5%). Treatment adherence was suboptimal, with only
35-40% of patients achieving good adherence according to the ARMS scale. The main reasons for medication non-adherence included forgetting to take medication, intentional non-use, and discontinuation due to health-related issues, whereas non-adherence to medication refilling was primarily associated with forgetting to obtain medication and running out of medication. Conclusions: Incorrect inhaler technique and poor treatment adherence remain common among COPD patients. These issues are largely related to patient behaviors and medication-use habits, highlighting the need to strengthen patient education on inhaler technique and implement strategies to improve adherence in clinical practice.