The knowledge, attitudes and practices of parents of children with asthma in 29 cities of China: a multi-center study

Abstract

BackgroundAsthma is becoming increasingly prevalent among children in China. Poor parent knowledge and attitudes often contribute to inappropriate management practices, leading to deficiencies in the care process. We aimed to document the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of parents of children with asthma and analyze how knowledge and attitudes relate to practices. Our secondary objective was to identify the factors associated with parent KAP scores.MethodsA KAP questionnaire was distributed to parents caring for 2960 children (0–14 years) diagnosed with asthma for at least 3 months from China’s 29 provinces. A 50-item questionnaire was devised for this cross-sectional survey based on a comprehensive review of the subject. Questionnaires were scored on 30 items regarding parent asthma-related KAP, with one point for every correct response and a possible range of 0–13 for knowledge, 0–7 for attitudes and 0–10 for practices. Higher scores indicated better KAP. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with practices and combined KAP scores.ResultsThe response rate was 83.95% (2485/2960). Only 18.31% (455/2485) of parents correctly answered ≥ 60% of the knowledge questions (mean = 5.69). Most (89.85%; 2226/2485) gave positive responses to ≥ 60% of the attitude questions (mean = 5.23) while 67.89% (1687/2485) correctly answered ≥ 60% of the practices questions (mean = 6.19). Knowledge and attitudes were positively associated with pulmonary function testing, regular physician visits, monitoring with a peak flow meter and the Children’s Asthma Control Test questionnaire, avoidance of asthma triggers, using an inhaled β2 receptor agonist and adherence to medication regimen (p ≤ 0.05). Attitudes were also associated with allergen testing. In logistic regression analysis, high KAP scores (dichotomized by a cut-off score of 18) were positively associated with food allergy, rhinitis, physician visits, frequency of visits and parent education (p < 0.05, OR > 1).ConclusionsGenerally, the parents’ KAP were poor. A gap between recommended and actual practice was observed, which may be related to inadequate knowledge about and poor attitudes toward childhood asthma. Improving knowledge and attitudes may encourage better practices among parents of children with asthma.

Effect of parental knowledge and attitude in the control of childhood asthma

“…12,14,15 In the study group 41.91% (n = 127) of the children had controlled asthma while 58.09% (n = 176) of the children had uncontrolled asthma which was comparable with Rabe et al study. 16 In spite of a good knowledge about asthma and its treatment among the parents, a poor attitude was noted regarding key asthma related issues.…”

“…16 In spite of a good knowledge about asthma and its treatment among the parents, a poor attitude was noted regarding key asthma related issues. 12 This indicates the need for an asthma education program focusing mainly on changing behaviour, rather than providing information alone.…”

“…For analysis, knowledge points and attitude points were dichotomized at 60 % levels. 12 And > 60% levels were taken as favourable and <60% levels were taken as less favourable. Control of asthma was assessed using National asthma education and prevention program: expert panel report 3 (EPR 3).…”

Prospective study to assess knowledge regarding wheezing disorders among mothers of children aged between 6 months to 10 years: hospital based study

“…Zhao J et al, found that 25% of patients had knowledge about PEF monitoring whereas in this study it was observed that 20.7%knew about PEF. 6 Parents have diverse view regarding the prognosis and treatment of asthma. In a study by Mavel Manuel et al, 50% parents answered that asthma is curable.…”

“…6 Prevention of Asthma exacerbations is one of the Major challenges of public Health. Parents specially Mother play crucial role in preventing and Management of acute exacerbation of Asthma at home.…”