The reliability and validity of the Basque language test for assessing correct inhaler technique and usage patterns has been confirmed
Daniela Mestre, PhD in Biomedicine and researcher at Biosistemak, is the lead author of an article published in the journal Patient Preference and Adherence.
The Institute has published the scientific article “ Validation of Basque ‘Test of Adherence to Inhalers’ in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ” in the journal Patient Preference and Adherence, which adapts and validates the Basque version of the Test of Adherence to Inhalers (TAI) to assess whether people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) follow the prescribed guidelines and use the correct technique when taking inhalers.
Daniela Mestre, PhD in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine and researcher in the Chronic Disease Health Services group at Biosistemak, is the lead author alongside Miren Orive (PhD in Psychology from the University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU), Amaia Bilbao-González (biostatistician at OSI Bilbao-Basurto– and researcher at Biosistemak), Nerea González-Hernández (PhD in Psychology from the same group), José M. Quintana (OSI Barrualde-Galdakao-Osakidetza), principal investigator, María Gascón (biostatistician at Bioaraba), Sandra Dorado-Arenas and Amaia Aramburu (both pulmonologists at OSI Barrualde-Galdakao-Osakidetza), within the Osakidetza-Respiratory translation HRQoL group.
A simple, valid and reliable test in Basque
The study included 398 Basque-speaking patients from respiratory consultations at OSI Barrualde-Galdakao: 249 with asthma and 149 with COPD. This 10-question test in Basque proved to be very reliable and valid in identifying those who do not follow the prescribed guidelines or apply the inhalation technique incorrectly. Patients with more severe symptoms or frequent attacks scored higher, which translates into greater adherence and better results, confirming that the test is useful in daily practice.
More than 30% used inhalers incorrectly, especially asthma patients, which shows the importance of detecting these problems. Medical and healthcare personnel in the Basque Country are now recommended to use this test in Basque to quickly determine whether a patient is using their inhaler correctly and to give them practical advice in their own language. This is particularly beneficial for Basque-speaking patients with chronic respiratory problems, making care more personalised and adapted to our reality.
Osakidetza has funded this project, which arose from the need to promote and establish the use of Basque, in accordance with its own regulations and strategic plans for the normalisation of the use of Basque. In addition, the work was carried out within the framework of the Primary Care, Chronicity and Health Promotion Research Network (RICAPPS), funded by the Carlos III Health Institute, within the Programme for Research Networks Oriented towards Health Outcomes (RICORS), which aims to transfer results to clinical practice and health service organisations, ensuring the improvement of healthcare for the population.
Article reference:
Mestre D, Orive M, Gascón M, Bilbao-González A, González-Hernández N, Dorado-Arenas S, Aramburu A, Quintana JM; Osakidetza-Respiratory translation HRQoL group. Validation of Basque “Test of Adherence to Inhalers” in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2025 Dec 12;19:4051-4061. doi: 10.2147/PPA.S548109.
