A cross-sectional study on level of knowledge and level of attitude towards asthma among the sampled population aged 13 years and above of Rumah Uming and Rumah Cherida, Meradong, from 20th November 2006 to 26th January 2007

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and cough. Asthma affects people of all ages. In Malaysia, asthma was among the commonest conditions that accounted for outpatient department attendance. Asthma is not curable, yet an asthmatic patient can live a normal life ifit is well-controlled. Objectives: The objective of this study is to study the level of knowledge and level of attitude towards asthma among the sampled population aged 13 years and above in Rumah Uming and Rumah Cherida from 20th November 2006 to 26th January 2007. Methodology: A cross-sectional study on level of knowledge and level of attitude towards asthma was carried out. The sample size of 90 respondents was chosen using a simple random sampling method. Data collection was done by means of interview-guided questionnaire, and all collected data was entered and analysed using SPSS software version 13. The statistical tests that were used include Pearson correlation test, chi-square test, independent sample t-test, ANOV A test, Spearman rho test, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The main source of information regarding asthma was obtained from mass media. The study showed more than half of the respondents had poor level of knowledge in terms of general knowledge and signs and symptoms (62.2%), risk factor and triggering factor (55.6%), and treatment and prevention of asthma (60.0%). However, 56.7% of respondents had good knowledge about complications of asthma. There was a significant relationship between total level of knowledge with gender (p = 0.034), household income (p = 0.018), and personal and family history of asthma (p = 0.008). Females, higher income group and respondents with personal and family history of asthma showed better score of knowledge. Most of the respondents had good attitude in terms of seeking knowledge (65.6%) and prevention of asthma (53.3%), however 55.6% showed poor attitude in terms of the treatment of asthma. Significant association was found between total level of attitude and level of education (p = 0.042). There was also a positive relationship between the total level of knowledge and the total level of attitude towards asthma among the respondents (p = 0.023). Conclusion: The study revealed a significantly higher level of knowledge among the respondents who were female, with higher household income and with personal and family history of asthma