Children in the ACT with Asthma: Are They Taking Preventer Medication According to Guidelines?

Aim: To ascertain whether children with asthma in the Australian Capital Territory were taking preventer medications in accordance with National Asthma Council Australia guidelines. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to all parents who indicated in an ACT wide survey of school entry children in 2005 that their child had asthma (n=435), or experienced asthma symptoms/took asthma medication (n=501), exploring dose, frequency and mode of delivery of preventer their child was currently taking. Results: Data were available for 256 children (response rate 27%). Of the children with parent reported asthma (n=435) the response rate was 42%. Eightythree (32%) children were currently taking preventers; complete medication details were provided for 60 children. A total of 32% of children on preventers were taking doses of preventers not in accordance with guidelines, while 80% of children were taking their medications at frequencies, or using delivery devices, not in accordance with guidelines. Discussion: This study suggests that home medical management of asthma with preventers for children may not be optimal. In Australia, over 3.9 million people have been diagnosed with asthma and over 2 million have current symptoms. Parent reported asthma prevalence in children ranges from 14-16%.