For adults with asthma, the burden of skipping medication due to cost has steadily declined over the past decade. However, financial barriers remain a critical issue for many, according to a study published in Thorax.

Key Findings: Trends in Medication Adherence

Researchers led by Chun-Tse Hung, Pharm.D., from Taipei Medical University, examined data from over 30,000 adults with asthma who participated in the U.S. National Health Interview Survey between 2011 and 2022. This group represents about 8.1% of the U.S. population.

The study found that while cost-related medication nonadherence (CRN) among adults with asthma has decreased, it continues to affect approximately one in six individuals. Demographic factors and the presence of other health conditions were strongly linked to CRN, underscoring the financial challenges faced by certain populations.

The Impact of CRN on Asthma Control

Skipping medications due to cost has serious consequences for asthma management. Adults who reported CRN were nearly twice as likely to experience asthma attacks (adjusted odds ratio: 1.95) and 63% more likely to require emergency department visits for asthma-related issues (adjusted odds ratio: 1.63). These findings highlight the potential dangers of untreated asthma and the importance of consistent medication use.

A Call for Policy and Support

“As asthma is one of the leading chronic diseases, the burden of cost-related medication nonadherence underscores the need for policies and social support to address this issue,” the authors emphasized. They suggested that targeted interventions, such as expanded insurance coverage or medication assistance programs, could help alleviate the financial strain for patients and improve overall asthma outcomes.

Moving Forward

While the declining trend in CRN is a positive development, the study’s findings reveal an ongoing challenge for public health. With asthma remaining a prevalent chronic condition, addressing the financial barriers to medication adherence is essential to ensuring better care and outcomes for millions of Americans.