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Pediatric Drug Adherence and Parental Attention: Evidence From Comprehensive Claims Data

Author

Listed:
  • Josh Feng
  • Matthew J. Higgins
  • Elena Patel

Abstract

Using comprehensive U.S. drug claims data, we show that adherence to asthma control medication declined during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We find that young children exhibited a 40 percent decrease in adherence by the end of 2020. The responses were less negative for older children and positive for adults. We provide additional evidence that parental attention played a role in driving this decrease, based on heterogeneity by pre‐pandemic mail order usage and number of parental scripts. Policy implications for improving pediatric adherence are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Josh Feng & Matthew J. Higgins & Elena Patel, 2026. "Pediatric Drug Adherence and Parental Attention: Evidence From Comprehensive Claims Data," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(2), pages 346-359, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:hlthec:v:35:y:2026:i:2:p:346-359
    DOI: 10.1002/hec.70062
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    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • L65 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Chemicals; Rubber; Drugs; Biotechnology; Plastics

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