Study on Parental Perceptions and Practices toward Childhood Asthma

Abstract

Background–AsthmaticChildren are dependent on their parents or caregiver, for acute care, as well as
preventive care appointments.This study aims to assess parent’s perceptions and practices about childhood
asthma.
Methods - Parents of 100 Asthmatic children were assessed by 5 points Likert questionnaire, attending the
outpatient department in the Department of pulmonary medicine, Tertiary care hospital,Patiala, Punjab.
Results -Out of 100 parents, 54 went to primary school, 32 went to high school, and 14 were havinga graduation
level of education.KAP score was better in fathers as compared to mothers with a statistically significant and
were highest among parents within the age group of 30 to 40 years.The correlation between the level of
education with the KAP score was statistically significant with a p-value of <0.001.
Conclusion–There was a lack of knowledge about triggering factors of asthma, proper use of inhalation therapy,
and concern about addiction and adverse effects especially the ones with a lower level of education. There is an
urgent need to explain to the parents their concern about their Child's disease as well as management so as avoid
undesired asthma exacerbation.