A Cross-sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice about Inhaler Usage among Asthmatic Patients

Abstract

Background: Adherence to inhalation therapy has direct relationship to the treatment outcome of asthma. Various patient-related factors such as lack of awareness, false beliefs, and embarrassment affect the usage of inhalers among asthmatics and also asthma control. Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of asthmatic patients toward inhaler use. The sociodemographic correlates for the same, the level of asthma control, proportion of patients using inhalers correctly were also assessed. Methodology: Asthma patients aged above 18 years and on inhaler treatment, attending outpatient department and inpatient department of a Medical College Hospital were included in the study. Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines were used to assess asthma control. Results: 130 patients participated in the study. Only 46.2% had prior knowledge about asthma, before their diagnosis. Only 35.4% preferred inhalers as choice before initiating their treatment. 68.5% had poor controlled asthma. 63.8% were regular in their follow-up visits and in using their prescribed inhalers. 63.8% had awareness about other forms of inhalers. 33.1% of patients felt that inhalers usage leads to addiction. 34.6% participants had concept that inhalers are only for serious illness/old age. High proportion of patients felt that inhalers are a lifelong measure (72.3%), inhalers are costlier compared to oral medicines for asthma (63.8%), and inhalers lead to complex side-effects (63.8%). 57.7% felt embarrassed to use inhalers in the public. On assessment, 37.7% had incorrect method of inhaler usage. Conclusion and Recommendations: High prevalence of false beliefs, misconceptions, and embarrassment about inhalers and its use among asthma patients was seen. Patient education in these aspects should be given for improving awareness of asthma and its treatment modalities, so as to achieve better disease control.