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Socioeconomic status linked to therapy adherence, respiratory outcomes in pediatric cystic fibrosis

Respiratory outcomes and adherence to airway clearance therapy among pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis appeared associated with socioeconomic status, according to study results.

Gabriela R. Oates, PhD, of the division of preventive medicine at University of Alabama at Birmingham, and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional observational study to assess associations between socioeconomic status, airway clearance therapy adherence and respiratory outcomes among pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis.

The analysis included 110 patients treated at a single center.

Socioeconomic status accounted for maternal and paternal education, as well as household income. Adherence to airway clearance therapy was defined through results from a high-frequency chest well oscillation device used between 4 weeks and 6 weeks.

Results of multinomial logistic regression analysis showed annual income greater than $50,000, maternal college education and more adults in the household were associated with better therapy adherence (P < .05).

Researchers also reported higher lung function among patients from households with annual income greater than $100,000 and paternal college education, as well as patients with no exposure to smoking (P < .05).

Current adherence to airway clearance therapy with high-frequency chest wall oscillation did not appear associated with lung function, researchers wrote.

“These data emphasize the importance of socioeconomic resources and household environment for cystic fibrosis health,” Oates and colleagues wrote. “Family socio-demographic profiles can help identify patients at increased risk for ACT non-adherence.” – by Jeff Craven

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.