Knowledge of primary school teachers in Alexandria about asthma

This study was conducted to elucidate the level of knowledge about asthma among primary school teachers in Alexandria. An interview questionnaire was constructed to collect data from 318 teachers chosen through a multistage stratified random method from 10 primary schools in Alexandria. The questionnaire included personal data and a series of statements about asthma that were to be answered. The study revealed that the teachers had limited knowledge about asthma in children. Most of them believed of the importance of playing sports for the asthmatic children. About 11% of the teachers did not permit an asthmatic child to keep his medicine with him during school hours. A significant difference in the level of knowledge about asthma was found between teachers who had received instructions and those who did not. It is recommended that instructions about asthma should be given to all primary school teachers during their teacher training courses.