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Predictors of proper inhaler technique and asthma control in pediatric patients with asthma
Basima A Almomani1, Batool S Al-Qawasmeh1, Samah F Al-Shatnawi1
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Insights
Proper inhaler use is crucial for pediatric asthma control. This study found low appropriate use rates, highlighting the need for continuous education, especially from clinical pharmacists, to improve self-administration techniques in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Improper asthma inhaler technique is a significant factor in poor asthma control among children.
- Pediatric patients often struggle with self-administration of inhalers, impacting treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the proper handling of asthma inhalers by pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the level of asthma control in these patients.
- To identify factors influencing inhaler use and asthma control.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study conducted in Jordan involving 150 pediatric asthma patients.
- Inhalation technique assessed using a standard checklist.
- Asthma control evaluated with the Asthma Control Test.
Main Results:
- Only 13.4% of participants appropriately used metered dose inhalers (MDIs), the most common device.
- Appropriate use rates for Turbohaler and Diskus were 38.5% and 28.9%, respectively.
- Higher parental knowledge and education, along with lower perceived stigma, were associated with better asthma control.
Conclusions:
- Continuous education on appropriate inhaler self-administration is essential for children with asthma.
- Clinical pharmacists are vital in improving inhaler administration through patient training and counseling.
Background:
Improper use of asthma inhalers is one of the potential factors of poor asthma control among children. This study aimed to assess the proper handling of asthma inhalers and asthma control in addition to factors influencing them among pediatric patients who self-administer their inhalers.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan from February 2019 to February 2020. All eligible pediatric patients with asthma attending outpatient settings were approached. The inhalation technique was assessed according to a standard checklist, and asthma control was assessed using the Asthma Control Test.
Results:
A total of 150 patients were included in this study. A metered dose inhaler (MDI) was the most commonly used inhaler device (89.4%) which was used appropriately by only 13.4% of participants. Whereas, appropriate use of Turbohaler and Diskus was reported by 38.5% and 28.9%, respectively. The higher level of parental knowledge was associated with higher number of correct MDI steps (OR = 1.066; 95% CI = 1.010-1.125; p = .020) and less reported errors in critical steps (OR = 0.949; 95% CI = 0.900-0.999; p = .047). Higher level of both parental education and pediatric average stigma score (less stigmatized) were associated with better asthma control ([OR = 5.181; 95% CI = 1.238-21.677; p = .024], [OR = 2.825; 95% CI = 1.420-5.619; p = .003], respectively).
Conclusion:
Continuous education on appropriate inhaler self-administration for asthmatic children is highly recommended. Clinical pharmacists play a major role toward improving the administration of inhalers through patient training and counseling.
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