An evaluation of metered-dose inhaler administration technique among patients of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Context Patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are majorly prescribed inhaled medications. This prescription is based on their efficacy and few adverse effects. Aim The study intends to evaluate metered-dose inhaler (MDI) administration technique among patients of asthma and COPD in Saudi Arabia. Settings and design A retrospective, cross-sectional observational design was used, and it was performed at the chest out-patient clinic at King Faisal Medical Complex, Taif, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods A total of 144 Saudi patients who were diagnosed either for asthma and COPD were included. It also included patients with prescribed inhalation agents in the form of MDI. Statistical analysis IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 23.0. was used. Demographic characteristics were presented in the form of percentages and frequencies, whereas descriptive statistics were also applied. The significance value was determined at P value less than or equal to 0.05. Results Patients with asthma majorly used MDI technique, had unlimited attacks per month, and had experienced less than five attacks per month. The demographic evaluation showed that sex and age are insignificantly related to the use of MDI. However, education, medical diagnosis, number of asthmatic attacks per month, and duration of the MDI use were significantly related to the proper use of the MDI technique. Conclusion The findings of the study recommend that although patients were aware of the correct use, more training needs to be initiated. Educational intervention programs should be initiated for improving the MDI technique use among patients.