Document Type
Presentation
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Publication Date
3-22-2024
Abstract
Adolescent adherence to asthma medication is a critical yet challenging aspect of managing asthma effectively. This rapid systematic review examines the effectiveness of smartphone interventions in improving medication adherence among adolescents with asthma. The review encompasses a wide age range, from 6 to 22 years, to capture the developmental diversity within this population. Utilizing PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, yielding a total of 14 relevant studies. These studies varied in intervention style, including text message reminders, personalized messaging, and gamification features, highlighting the diverse approaches to promoting adherence.
The findings reveal promising outcomes regarding smartphone interventions. For instance, Farooqui et al. (2015) reported an 85% increase in adherence to controller medication, while Carpenter et al. (2016) found that 94% of participants felt more engaged in managing their asthma after using a specific app. Additionally, Arenas et al. (2022) observed a high participation retention rate of 96%, indicating sustained engagement with the intervention. Despite these positive outcomes, challenges were identified. Adherence rates tended to decline over time, as evidenced by Hoch et al. (2019), who reported an average adherence rate of 56% that declined over the study period. Moreover, disparities in engagement and responses to technology-based interventions were noted among different age groups, underscoring the need for age-tailored interventions.
This review highlights the potential of smartphone interventions in improving medication adherence among adolescents with asthma. However, it also emphasizes the importance of addressing challenges such as declining adherence rates and tailoring interventions to meet the diverse needs of this population. Further research and development of culturally sensitive and age-appropriate interventions are warranted to enhance the effectiveness of smartphone interventions in asthma management among adolescents.
Lay Summary
Asthma is a common disease that affects the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. It can be especially challenging for adolescents, who are at a stage in life where they are becoming more independent. Ensuring that adolescents take their asthma medications as prescribed is crucial for managing their condition and preventing asthma attacks.
My capstone project focused on exploring how smartphone apps can help adolescents with asthma adhere to their medication regimen. These apps offer features like medication reminders, tracking symptoms, and providing educational resources about asthma. Adolescents can better manage their asthma and improve their overall health by using these apps.
Through my research, I found that smartphone apps can indeed help improve medication adherence among adolescents with asthma. This means that adolescents are more likely to take their asthma medications as prescribed, which can lead to better control of their asthma symptoms and fewer asthma attacks. This is especially important for adolescents, as poorly controlled asthma can have a significant impact on their quality of life and ability to participate in daily activities. One of the key findings of my research was that smartphone apps are easy to use and can be a convenient tool for adolescents with asthma. Many adolescents already have access to smartphones, making these apps accessible to a large number of individuals. Additionally, these apps can be personalized to meet the specific needs of each individual, making them more effective in helping adolescents manage their asthma.
Overall, my research highlights the potential of smartphone apps in improving medication adherence and asthma management among adolescents. By leveraging technology, we can empower adolescents with asthma to take control of their health and lead healthier, more active lives.
Recommended Citation
Alexander, Mervin M., "Adolescent Adherence to Asthma Medication through Smartphone Interventions: A Review" (2024). Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations. Presentation 528.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/mphcapstone_presentation/528
Language
English
Comments
Presentation: 4:35
Poster attached as supplemental file below