ASSESSMENT OF "KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE" REGARDING INHALATION THERAPY AMONG ASTHMATIC PATIENTS IMPACT ON SAFETY AND EFFICACY

ABSTRACT: Background: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that requires appropriate treatment and effective self-management. Incorrect inhaler use and inadequate patient knowledge may affect treatment outcomes. Patient education may help improve the understanding and practice of inhalation therapy. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding inhalation therapy among patients with asthma and evaluate the impact of an educational intervention. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted over six months among 100 patients with asthma aged 18–70 years who were using or had been prescribed inhalation therapy. Sociodemographic and medication-related information was collected using direct interviews and a self-designed questionnaire. Educational sessions, counselling, and demonstrations of correct inhaler techniques were provided. KAP assessments were performed before and after the intervention. Results: The positive knowledge response increased from 40.6% before the intervention to 86.2% afterward. Positive attitude responses increased from 48.0% to 91.0%, while positive practice responses increased from 39.2% to 84.0%. Among the participants, 53% were male and 47% were female. Metered-dose inhalers were the most commonly reported devices (57%), followed by dry-powder inhalers (29%) and rotahalers (14%). Conclusion: The findings suggest that patient education and counselling may improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding inhalation therapy among patients with asthma.