Prevalence and predictors of medication adherence among adolescents and adults with asthma in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This review aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and predictors of medication adherence among adolescents and adults with asthma in Ethiopia.

Data sources: Primary studies were searched from PubMed, Scopus, HINARI, and Google Scholar from January 1, 2010 to December 10, 2023. In addition, we have used citation tracking.

Study selections: Observational studies (cross sectional, case control, and cohort) conducted among asthmatic patients ≥15 years old in Ethiopia, published in English language were included. After screening, the studies were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool and data were extracted using a checklist. Heterogeneity was assessed using forest plot, Q-statistics and I².

Results: The review was performed among 13 institution-based studies with a total of 2901 participants with asthma. About 1058 participants had comorbid disease and 354 were cigarette smokers. The pooled prevalence of adherence to medications among patients with asthma was 40.50% (95% CI: 28.05, 52.96; p value < 0.001) with high heterogeneity (I² = 98.25%, p < 0.001). Getting health education about asthma and having comorbid disease were predictors of medication adherence among adolescents and adults with asthma in Ethiopia.

Conclusions: The pooled prevalence of medication adherence among adolescents and adults with asthma in Ethiopia is low and indicated that three out of five adolescents and adults with asthma were non-adherent to medications. This implies the Ministry of Health should develop different strategies to improve medication adherence including patient education and strengthening the health care system. Multicenter longitudinal studies should be further conducted by using objective methods of adherence measurement and large sample size.