| dc.description.abstract | Pediatric bronchial asthma burdens both families and the healthcare system due to frequent
acute attacks requiring medication and hospital admissions. This study aimed
to determine parental knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to preventive practices for
bronchial asthma in children attending Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) for Children,
Colombo. A descriptive cross-sectional study with a qualitative component was conducted
amongst parents of children under 12 years of age (n=172) who had been diagnosed
with bronchial asthma. Data was collected through a validated interviewer-administered
questionnaire, a validated observation checklist, and focus group discussions. The quantitative
data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 and attitude component was analyzed
using thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained. Parental knowledge of bronchial
asthma (knowledge Scores; poor 0-4, moderate > 4-8, good > 8-12) was moderate (55.2%).
Knowledge of emergency management at home was poor (41.3%) (poor 0-2, moderate
> 8-16, good 16-23), knowledge of preventive practices for asthma was good (52.3%)
(poor 0-2, moderate > 2-4, good > 4-5). Parental adherence to prescribed medication
was poor (82%) (Poor <6, moderate 6-<8, highest 8). According to the observation
checklist, parental competency in administering inhalers was inadequate (n=145), only
(40.7%, n=59) were performed in all 12 steps. In qualitative component, parents showed
positive attitudes toward using inhalers for managing bronchial asthma after identifying
four themes; parental attitudes regarding the susceptibility of children to experience side
e ects, children’s potential inhaler addiction, the e ectiveness and e cacy of inhaler
medication and the social stigma associated with using an inhaler. In conclusion, parents
demonstrated good knowledge and positive attitudes toward asthma management. Their
skills in the proper use of inhalers should be improved, and misconceptions regarding | |
