ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF USAGE OF INHALERS AMONG HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONAL STUDENT COMMUNITY

Objective: Incorrect usage of inhaler devices might have a significant influence on the clinical effectiveness of the drug delivered. This issue is poorly addressed; hence, the study was designed to investigate the knowledge and ability of the health-care professional student community to use inhaling devices. Methods: A questionnaire was constructed and piloted before carrying out the study. The health-care professional students were taken as the sample. The data obtained from the result of the survey were subjected to proper statistical analysis using SPSS software, and a statistical significance level of 0.05 was considered. Results: Analysis of the data obtained from the study reveals that a significant difference was observed between the proper usage of the inhaling device and how the health-care professional student community executed the steps in its use. Their knowledge of cleaning pressurized metered-dose inhalers, storage, and the use of pictograms in patient counseling were also not well established. Conclusion: Inefficient usage of inhalers may lead to insufficient drug delivery and hence to insufficient lung deposition. Regular reinforcement and assessment of correct inhalation technique for health professionals and caregivers are an essential component of successful asthma management. Therefore, appropriate and continuous educational programs enhancing health professionals’ ability and knowledge of using inhaled devices are highly recommended for giving of proper inhalation technique, thus ensuring more successful drug delivery