THE ROLE OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN IMPROVING TREATMENT ADHERENCE AMONG OUTPATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

Abstract

A cross-sectional study on 500 outpatient COPD patients (01-06/2025) assessed treatment adherence (MMAS-8 scale) and its association with 5 roles of healthcare providers (HCPs). Results: rates of high, medium, and low adherence were 42.6%, 33.8%, and 23.6%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that HCP roles were strongly associated with high adherence: comprehensive counseling (OR=3.5), proper instruction on inhaler technique (OR=4.1), positive communication (OR=3.7), follow-up and appointment reminders (OR=2.9), and psychological support (OR=2.1). The study concludes that HCPs play a key role in improving COPD treatment adherence and recommends strengthening training in counseling skills, device instruction, communication, and establishing a systematic outpatient follow-up system.