Medication-related burden and its association with disease severity in Iraqi patients with asthma

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition associated with higher morbidity and mortality among older adults. In Iraq, the prevalence of asthma among adults with a family history is 11.55%. Medication-related burden (MRB) refers to the negative impact of medication regimens on daily life and adherence. Objectives : To assess MRB levels in patients with asthma and examine their association with demographic and clinical variables, as well as disease severity. Methods : purposive cross-sectional study was conducted at two teaching hospitals. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Living with Medicines Questionnaire to assess MRB. Pulmonary function tests were also performed. Results : The study included 100 patients (mean age 42.9 ± 15.9 years; M:F = 46:54). The MRB distribution was as follows: 55% minimal, 40% moderate, 4% high, and 1% none. Burden was significantly associated with age ( P = 0.001163), disease duration ( P = 0.03), and disease severity ( P = 0.001163). Conclusion : Most patients experienced some degree of MRB, particularly older individuals and those with longer or more severe disease. These findings highlight the importance of addressing medication-related burden in asthma care