Costa, I. G. D., Rapoff, M. A., Lemanek, K., & Goldstein, G. L. (1997).
Improving adherence to medication regimens for children with asthma and its effect on clinical outcome.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
30, 687-691.
We examined the effects of a combined education and token system
intervention to improve adherence to inhaled corticosteroids for
an 8-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy with asthma. Adherence
was measured by an electronic chronolog monitor, and disease
outcome was assessed by repeated pulmonary function testing. A
withdrawal design demonstrated improved adherence and, for 1
child, an associated improvement in pulmonary function occurred.
Methodological and clinical implications are discussed, including
variables other than adherence that may affect disease outcome.
DESCRIPTORS: compliance, asthma, medications, token system,
disease activity