Factors associated with non-adherence to specific allergen immunotherapy in management of respiratory allergy.

ABSTRACT

Background. Non-adherence to specific allergen immunotherapy is a major hurdle faced by the allergist, contributing to poor clinical outcomes. Objectives. To assess the independent association of various factors with non-adherence to specific allergen immunotherapy. Methods. Fifty consecutive (non-adherent) and control (adherent) subjects receiving specific allergen immunotherapy were included in the study and various factors related to non-adherence including socio-demographic, clinical and immunotherapy related variables were compared between the two groups by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results. On univariate analysis, gender, allergic conjunctivitis, family history, progression of disease, perception of immunotherapy, medicine requirement, and the pattern of missed doses greater than two in the last 10, 20 and 30 doses were found to be significantly associated with non-adherence. On multivariate analysis, independent association was observed with allergic conjunctivitis, family history, perception of immunotherapy, missed doses greater than two in the last 10 doses of immunotherapy and medicine requirement. Conclusions. The independent factors associated with non-adherence may vary between different settings and countries. There is a need for developing individual case holding programmes to improve clinical outcomes in patients receiving specific allergen immunotherapy.