Inclusion and exclusion criteria in research studies: definitions and why they matter

Abstract

A cross-sectional multicenter study evaluated selfreported adherence to inhaled therapies among patients with COPD in Latin America. Inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study are shown in Chart 1. The authors found that self-reported adherence was low in 20% of the patients, intermediate in 29%, and high in 51%; and that poor adherence was associated with more exacerbations in the past year, a lower smoking history, and a lower level of education. The authors concluded that suboptimal adherence to inhaled therapies among COPD patients was common and that interventions to improve adherence are warranted.