Beliefs and Factors Affecting the Usage and Compliance of Inhalers in Treatment of Asthma in Children

Background: Despite the availability of several treatment modalities-various formulations of inhaled corticosteroids and delivery devices, the prevalence of asthma is increasing in the developing countries, especially among the paediatric age group. Though Inhaled corticosteroids are effective in the management of asthma, parents prefer oral medications and nebulisers as the treatment modality for their children. Thus, there is a general reluctance amongst the parents towards the use of inhalers. This article focuses on the beliefs and factors affecting the usage and compliance of inhalers in the treatment of asthma.

Objectives: To assess Beliefs and factors affecting the usage and compliance of inhalers in treatment of asthma in children.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Tamilnadu from March 2021 to June 2021.A cross -sectional study was conducted among 112 asthma patients of paediatric age group in a tertiary care medical college and hospital in Chennai through a questionnaire containing the demographic details, details regarding the treatment modalities, the inhalers and their usage. The results obtained were tabulated and analyzed.

Result: The study included 112 asthmatic patients,68 boys and 44 girls of whom 87.17% of the children had recurrent episodes of cough and cold. 45.53% of the patients used oral medications along with nebulisation,26.8% used inhalers and 27.67% used inhalers along with oral medications. 78.57% of the parents were aware about the use of inhalers in the treatment of asthma and 59.82% of the parents showed reluctance to use inhalers for their children.

Conclusion: In spite of inhaled corticosteroids being effective in the management of asthma, oral medications and nebulisers are the mainstay treatment in majority of the cases. Social stigma, fear of addiction and lack of knowledge are the major reasons for the reluctance of parents towards the use of inhalers.