Abstract
BackgroundAsthma is a common public health issue in the pediatric population. The prevalence of asthma in children in Saudi Arabia is increasing. All asthmatic children with continuous symptoms should use controller medications. These medications if used correctly by the patients will diminish the symptoms and avoid exacerbations that lead to hospitalization. Perception of parents toward a particular device can affect the adherence rate.AimAssessing the parental perception about metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and nebulizers differences among the Saudi population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to assess Parental perception about MDIs and nebulizers among Saudi parents with an asthmatic child. The data were collected from the parents and caregivers by using an online questionnaire and informed consent was obtained. The questionnaire was focused on demographic characteristics, knowledge, perception and practice of treating the asthmatic child. Data were analyzed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) and the results were considered statistically significant if P < 0.05.ResultsA total of 1,021 participants included in this study. This study found asthma is predominant in males (64.4%) and the most affected age is between 8 and 14 years (56.3%). More than half of the parents (58.7%) had a bachelor's degree and above. MDI is the most method used for controlling asthma (32.7%) and the majority of them (70.2%) thought there is a therapeutic difference between MDI and nebulizer. Providing instructions and information on usage MDI was received from 65.2%. Significant relationships were found between the level of satisfaction and receiving enough information about MDI and level of education.ConclusionThis study found that asthma is more prevalent in males, where MDI is more common. Majority of the parents had thought that there is a difference in the therapeutic effects between MDI and nebulizer. They believed that nebulizer is more effective, less side effect and cheaper while MDI is easier to use.
Highlights
Asthma is a chronic disorder and a common public health issue, especially among the pediatric population
metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) is the most method used for controlling asthma (32.7%) and the majority of them (70.2%) thought there is a therapeutic difference between MDI and nebulizer
Analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted during November to December 2020 to assess parental perception about MDIs and nebulizers The population of the study consisted of parents with asthmatic child in Saudi Arabia
Summary
Asthma is a chronic disorder and a common public health issue, especially among the pediatric population. The chronic inflammation will cause an increase in the hyper-responsiveness of the airways that results in breathlessness, chest tightness, recurrent episodes of wheezing and coughing especially in the early morning or at night. These episodes are generally connected with diffuse airflow obstruction that is usually reversible either developing without apparent external influence or with treatment [1]. The prevalence of asthma in children in Saudi Arabia is increasing rapidly [2] and fluctuates among various areas throughout the country. Perception of parents toward a particular device can affect the adherence rate
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