Children with bronchial asthma assessed for psychosocial problems in a teaching hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract:Background: Paediatric bronchial asthma causes respiratory related mortality and morbidity globally and elevates the risk of psychological and social problems (psychosocial problems); which may result in poorer asthma control. The rate of and associated factors for psychosocial problems among our asthmatic children was assessed in this study. Methods: Seventy five (75) children aged 7 to 14 years with bronchial asthma who were attending clinics at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria, were assessed with Child behaviour questionnaire and a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Probable psychological morbidity was present in 25% of the children. The most frequently reported social impairments associated with the disease were: interference with play (60%), domestic work (49%), fear of dying anytime (29%) and feeling of being a burden on the family (25%). Psychological morbidity was significantly associated with lower maternal education (p=0.020) and occupation (p=0.038), polygamy (p=0.012), fathers having more than 5 children (p=0.027) and mothers having inadequate spousal support (p=0.012). Inadequate spousal support and lower maternal occupational level were the significant predictors of morbidity following logistic regression. Conclusion: Routine psychosocial assessment and care for children with asthma needs to be introduced into our clinics to help protect them and their families from avoidable suffering.

Cuidado à família da criança com doença crônica

“…To evaluate the factors associated with the time taken to access the specialists and explore the issues experienced by parents before evaluation in a specialized service. As for the year of publication, there was one (2.57%) article published in the years 2007 43 , 2009 14 and 2010 37 , three (7.69%) articles published in the year 2016 12,40,47 , five (12.82%) in 2012 20,29,31,41,44 , six (15,38%) in 2011 21,26,34,36,39,49 seven (17,95%) in 2015 22,24,45,48 and 2014 13,23,30,32,35 and eight (20,51%) in 2013 25,33,38,42,46,50 .…”

“…Regarding the object of the studies, 11 (28.20%) articles focused on the family 12,14,19,21,31,39, , three (7,69%) on the mothers 13,40-1 , one (2.57%) on the children, parents and health professionals 15 , seven (17.95%) studies dealt with children 16,20,22,25,28,34,48 , four (10,26 %) with children and their families 17,35 , six (15,38%) studies focused on parents (mother and father) 18,24,27,38,[49][50] , two (5,12%) studies on parents and health professionals 23,26 , one (2.57%) on the child and the parents 29 , one (2.57%) on the health professionals 30 , two (5.12%) on the nursing professionals, 45,47 and, finally, one (2.57%) focused on the nursing professionals and the family. 46 A synthesis of the results found in the articles gave origin to two thematic categories: Facing the diagnosis of a chronic disease, change of habits and family reorganization; Care routines of families with children with chronic conditions.…”

“…Thus, there is an obvious financial impact on these families. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] The routine of the families, especially of the mothers who play the role of main caregivers, is affected. They have to reorganize things in the face of new responsibilities and constant demands.…”

“…23 Another point that deserves to be highlighted is the process of coping with chronic conditions in childhood is faith in a superior being, as emphasized in many researches. 22, Prayer by parents and children is the most frequent coping method reported, for the family' believes and religiosity. 22,28 The use of prayer by parents, both individually and in groups, has a very positive meaning.…”

“…22, Prayer by parents and children is the most frequent coping method reported, for the family' believes and religiosity. 22,28 The use of prayer by parents, both individually and in groups, has a very positive meaning. 22,27 Parents face a reality in which their expectations and plans need to be adjusted due to the condition and limitations that the children present in their situation.…”