Exploring patients' perspectives and experiences of asthma self-management: A qualitative study

Patients with asthma can effectively manage their condition and minimize its impact on their everyday life by practicing asthma self-management.

This study aimed to explore knowledge, perceptions, experiences, barriers, and facilitators of asthma self-management among asthma patients in Malaysia.

A qualitative study using a phenomenological approach was conducted from February 2025 to May 2025 among 19 asthma patients aged 18 and above through semi-structured online and face-to-face individual interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis through NVivo® software to identify key themes. Later relevant themes were applied deductively to the three self-management tasks (medical, behavioural, and emotional management) described by Corbin and Strauss.

To improve interpretation, two overarching themes, (1) impacts of asthma and (2) self-management of asthma, were constructed. Within "impacts of asthma," one main theme, "living with asthma," was identified. Under "self-management of asthma," four main themes were identified: (i) medical management, (ii) behavioural management, (iii) emotional management, and (iv) factors influencing asthma self-management.

Asthma patients demonstrated a good understanding of the disease and self-management strategies; gaps remain in the area of self-monitoring. Patients' perceived self-efficacy and beliefs towards traditional methods and asthma medication influenced self-management practices. Asthma counselling seminars and the provision of an asthma action plan can facilitate asthma management. Furthermore, addressing barriers such as passive smoking and workplace difficulties through policies is essential.