Knowledge and perceptions on childhood asthma among care-takers of
children with asthma at a National Referral Hospital in Western Kenya:
a descriptive study
Background: Identifying knowledge gaps in asthma self-management and
identifying existing myths is an important step in determining
appropriate health education and demystifying the myths so as to
enhance asthma control. Objective: To identify existing knowledge gaps
and perceptions among the caregivers of asthmatic children. Methods: A
cross sectional study was done among caretakers of asthmatic children
aged 6-11 years at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. Data on
knowledge and perceptions among caretakers was collected using a
questionnaire. Results: A total of 116 caretakers were recruited of
whom 71.6% were mothers. Although 60% of the caretakers had asthma
medications at home, only a third felt their children were asthmatic.
Eighty four (72.4%) had basic asthma knowledge. Syrups were preferred
to inhalers by 70.7%, with 64.7% believing that inhalers were for the
very sick. Only 36 (31%) felt preventer medications in asthma were
necessary. Acceptance of asthma as a diagnosis and presence of asthma
drugs were significantly associated with better knowledge of asthma,
p-values 0.015 and 0.009 respectively. Conclusion: Most caregivers
perceive syrups to be better despite having good basic knowledge on
asthma. There is need to address asthma perceptions among caretakers in
resource poor settings which is likely to improve control