Variations and Misconceptions of Asthma Terminology, Triggers and Therapy among the Caregivers of Asthmatic Children in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood leading to an ongoing burden on the emergency departments all around the world. The present study was conducted with the aim to assess the awareness and misconceptions related to the terminology, triggers and management among the caregivers of asthmatic children in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among the asthmatic children above 6 months of age at the Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Makkah, Saudi Arabia during the period between March 2018 and July 2018. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire that includes demographic data, knowledge and awareness of the terminology, severity, triggers, follow-up and management of the disease with a focus on Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs), nebulizer therapy and Inhaled Cortico-Steroids (ICS). A total 242 children were included in the study 64.5% were males, 35.5% were females. A majority (71.5%) of caregivers believed that nebulizers are more effective than MDIs to treat their children. Among the 242 children, 47.1% use spacer devices regularly and only 40.5% of them have used ICS. The main reason for not using steroid inhalers and spacer devices as stated by most caregivers (68% and 49.3% respectively). was “never recommended by physicians”. 73.1% of the children had no Asthma follow up outside the ED. 73.7% of caregivers who reported having a smoker in their homes did not know the harmful effects of smoking on their children. Many misconceptions about the terminologies, triggers, the nature of the ED medications and outpatient treatment were found among the caregivers of the children included in the study. Physicians poor adherence to current asthma treatment guidelines and the lack of well structured follow up and educational programs may be contributing to the caregivers inconsistencies with outpatient treatment and follow up.