Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Asthmatic Patients towards Their Disease

Susan Zroog; Fatima Elhag Ahmed; Mayada Abd Algabar; Abdelhakam Ali

doi:10.69667/lmj.2517217

Authors

Susan Zroog College of Nursing, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Albyidah, Libya. Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Al-Butana, Sudan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1409-3589
Fatima Elhag Ahmed College of Nursing, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Albyidah, Libya. Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Al-Butana, Sudan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5047-2116
Mayada Abd Algabar College of Nursing, Al-Managil University, Sudan https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5300-2132
Abdelhakam Ali College of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Al-Butana, Sudan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3984-8132

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69667/lmj.2517217

Keywords:

Asthma, knowledge, Attitude, Patient Education

Abstract

Asthma remains a significant global health challenge, which often results in life-threatening Complications. Effective management, a proactive mindset, and adequate awareness are essential to prevent the worsening of asthma and its complications. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, consisting of 240 patients who were admitted to Almanagil Teaching Hospital during the period from October to December 2022. The data was gathered through a questionnaire, and then was analyzed using the descriptive statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study included a predominantly female (63%) population, with the majority aged 26–45 years (70.4%). Despite (44.3%) holding university degrees, patients’ knowledge was poor, especially towards understanding of causes, disease mechanisms, and aggravating factors (19.6%, 14.6%, and 14.4%), respectively. Also included low awareness of asthma’s life-threatening potential (12.5%) and incorrect beliefs about discontinuing medication after symptom relief (17.5%). Attitudes of patients toward their disease were weak, only 20.7% recognizing asthma as incurable, 19.3% incorrectly viewing it as non-chronic, and 23.5% believing inhalers cause addiction. There was a statistically significant relation between the patients’ knowledge and educational level and duration of illness, P-value < .05. The findings reveal substantial gaps in asthma knowledge and attitude, despite long-term illness in many participants. There is an urgent need for targeted educational interventions to improve disease understanding, correct attitudes, and enhance treatment adherence.

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