The Perception of Asthma and Views on Metered-dose Inhaler by Caregivers of Asthmatic Children in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano

Abstract

Introduction: Much have been achieved in improving the quality of life of asthmatic children such as providing efficient treatment and preventive measures; however, acceptability of these treatments such as metered-dose inhalers (MDI) by caregivers desires to be studied. Materials and Methods: This study was cross-sectional involving caregivers of asthmatic children aged 5–14 years. Results: One hundred and nineteen caregivers were recruited, consisting of 93 mothers (78.1%), 22 fathers (18.5%), and 4 relations (3.4%). However, 88 (73.9%) of the respondents believed asthma was inheritable. Sixty-five (54.6%) of the respondents had counseling on asthma but majority of the respondents will accept MDI if prescribed for their wards; however, among the 33 (27.7%) that will reject, majority believed MDI will make asthma chronic (51.5%). However, 69.7% of them agreed to accept MDI if properly counseled on the advantages and effectiveness of MDI. Although majority of those that had counseling on childhood asthma would accept MDI, this observation was not statistically significantly (χ2 = 2.741; df = 1; P = 0.11); however, most of those with a family history of asthma would accept MDI and this observation was statistically significant (χ2 = 14.312; df = 1; P = 0.00). Similarly, maternal education showed statistically significant association with willingness to accept MDI (Fisher's exact test = 15.444; P = 0.01). Oral medications were the preferred route by the respondents (66.4%) if given the choice to choose. Conclusion: Most respondents believed that asthma is heritable, and majority will accept MDI if prescribed by a physician but they will prefer oral medication as a matter of choice; however, maternal education had significant relationship with the willingness to accept MDI