An Investigation of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Concerning Asthma among Patients in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia (original) (raw)

2020, International Journal of Research Studies in Medical and Health Sciences

Background: Sufficient knowledge and positive attitudes among patients with asthma are prerequisites for managing the potential risks of asthma symptoms and providing optimal treatment. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of asthmatic patients regarding asthma and to determine the gap between their knowledge and proper practices to alleviate dangerous symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2019 at two governmental hospitals in Tabuk city.Only those asthmatic patients who met the inclusion criteria (aged ≤ 18 years old) were recruited. Both genders were considered in this study. This study excluded those who had other chronic diseases than asthma.The participants were selected from specific clinical area settings (outpatient clinic, Emergency Room, medical and surgical wards), using purposive sampling method. Returned responses numbered 112, with a response rate of 56%.Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire (AKQ) was used, based on previous studies, to evaluate their knowledge and attitudes concerning asthma symptoms. All data were analyzed descriptively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).Descriptive statistics of percentage, mean, frequency and standard deviation were applied. Results: Of the 112 total respondents (52.7% female and 47.3% male), 40% declared that they had heard of this disease from a healthcare professional (doctor or nurse), 24% from the internet, and only 4% from television. Overall, 100% of participants reported thatasthma can becaused by an allergy, air pollution, or any other type of irritant (dust, fumes, etc.); 83.9 % believed that the common cold and exercise can lead to asthma; 79.5% thought that asthma is life-threatening; and 59.8% said that asthma is a genetic disease. Approximately 18% believed that asthma is not a dangerous disease; 82% reported that inhalers are the best medical intervention to alleviate asthma symptoms; and only 11% said that medication should be continued even if symptoms no longer occur. Conclusion: Educational programs about asthma should be adopted in health systems to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients and their families regarding asthma attacks, in order to prevent acute exacerbations.