Knowledge and Practice of Caretakers Regarding the use of Metered-dose Inhaler in Children with Reactive Airway Disease

Abstract

Aim: A study titled “knowledge and practice of caretakers regarding the use of metered-dose inhaler in children with reactive airway disease” is a descriptive study conducted on 101 caretakers of children seeking treatment in Sree Avittom Thirunal Hospital Thiruvananthapuram. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge and practice of caretakers regarding the use of metered-dose inhaler in children with reactive airway disease, to find the association between the knowledge and practice and to determine the association of knowledge and practice of caretakers regarding the use of metered-dose inhaler in children with selected sociodemographic and clinical variables.

Materials and Methods: The theoretical framework of the study was based on Nola J. Pender’s Health Promotion Model. Data regarding caretaker’s knowledge were assessed using interview schedule and practice through observation checklist.

Results: The study revealed that of the 101 caretakers 5% had good knowledge, 82.2% had moderate knowledge, and 12.8% had poor knowledge regarding metered-dose inhaler use. Of the 101 caretakers 8.9% had good practice, 54.5% had moderate practice, and 36.6% had poor practice of metered-dose inhaler use.

Conclusion: It was observed in the study that there was significant association between knowledge and practice of caretakers regarding the use of metered-dose inhaler.