Abstract
Background: Many children across the world, struggle with asthma, especially when the condition worsens due to lack of adherence to treatment strategies, the reason for which however may not be completely understood. Hence the objective of the study is to explore the perceptions of caregivers and patients about pediatric asthma and its control to trace possible factors that lead to poor adherence to asthma control. Methods: A qualitative study using conversational style interview for a group of 8 children and their guardians was conducted .In the discussion pre set questions were put forward to explore the perceptions of care givers and patients regarding asthma control management. The discussion was recorded with consent and later transcribed, coded and analyzed. Results: The focus group discussion revealed that patient compliance is not perfectly maintained due to various factors. Patients have mixed responses to the restrictions ranging from co-operative to rebellious behavior. Large amount of anxiety exists among the parents with regards to the disease exacerbation and long course of treatment. Frequent hospital visits have been perceived to be cumbersome by them and they perceive a need for the use of such questionnaires as a home based asthma control monitoring system. Conclusion: The focus group discussion reveals that proper counseling system and home based asthma control monitoring system need to be put into place to offer all round asthma control. Also use of questionnaires at home on a regular basis will reduce the number of hospital visits saving time and cost.
Highlights
The World health organization (WHO) recognizes asthma as a major health problem that affects around 300 million individuals of all ages, ethnic groups and countries
The objectives of the study is to understand the quality of life of children with asthma, to explore the perceptions of caregivers and patients about asthma and its control and to trace possible factors that lead to poor adherence to asthma control
This qualitative study was aimed at exploring these varied perceptions through focus group discussion which possibly could be a cause for lack of adherence to treatment
Summary
The World health organization (WHO) recognizes asthma as a major health problem that affects around 300 million individuals of all ages, ethnic groups and countries. Since reasons for poor adherence may not be fully understood it is important to understand the perceptions of patients and their caregivers by building a partnership with parents for long term management of asthma. The objective of the study is to explore the perceptions of caregivers and patients about pediatric asthma and its control to trace possible factors that lead to poor adherence to asthma control. Methods: A qualitative study using conversational style interview for a group of 8 children and their guardians was conducted .In the discussion pre set questions were put forward to explore the perceptions of care givers and patients regarding asthma control management. Conclusion: The focus group discussion reveals that proper counseling system and home based asthma control monitoring system need to be put into place to offer all round asthma control. Use of questionnaires at home on a regular basis will reduce the number of hospital visits saving time and cost
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