Assessment of knowledge and attitude of adult asthmatics towards asthma and impact of family support on adherence to the use of inhalers

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of asthma and failure of control arc sources of concern in most parts of the world. A review of literature has shown that factors that affect patients' adherence to the use of inhalers included level of literacy, attitudes towards asthma management, knowledge about asthma, deficiencies in patients knowledge and control of symptoms. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of adult asthmatic s presenting to University College Hospital Ibadan towards asthma and the impact of family support on adherence to the use of inhalers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from 1st of April 2010 to 31st of March 2011. The study population involved 355 adults aged between 18years and 55years with an established diagnosis of asthma already on treatment and follow up. Results: More than half of the respondents 205(57.7%) had poor knowledge of asthma and its management. Two hundred and twenty one (62.3%) of the respondents had poor attitude towards asthma. Majority of the respondents 332(93.5%) had good family support. A higher proportion of respondents with good knowledge of asthma, good attitude toward asthma and good family support had good adherence to the use of inhalers and consequently good control of asthma. Conclusion: This study showed that the majority of the respondents had poor knowledge of asthma, poor attitude towards asthma and good family support