Perception of the role of inhaled corticosteroids and factors affecting compliance among asthmatic adult patients.

Objective: To examine the patient characteristics linked with reduced adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) use.

Methods: A prospective study of adult asthmatic patients who were prescribed with ICS and are under regular follow-up at the pulmonary outpatient clinics between June 1st, and December 31st, 2001, at King Fahad National Guard Hospital in Riyadh. All patients underwent structured interviews with an investigator.