Childhood Asthma and Barriers to its Management: Perceptions of Patients, their Caregivers and Healthcare Providers from Selected Referral Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2021-03
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background: Asthma is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in
the world. The perceptions of children with asthma and their caregivers about
asthma and its medication were reasons for low adherence to recommended
treatment regimens and to poor asthma control.
Objectives: To identify the perception of children with asthma, of their
caregivers and healthcare providers towards asthma and barriers to long term
childhood asthma management in two selected referral hospitals in Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: Qualitative study design was employed using in depth interview
technique supplemented with observational field notes. Children with asthma
between the ages of 8 to 15years old, their caregivers and healthcare providers
in the pediatric chest clinics of two referral hospitals in Addis Ababa, were
purposively sampled for inclusion in the study which was ethically approved.
After data was transcribed verbatim, it was translated from Amharic into
English. Finally, it was analyzed using thematic analysis.
Result: Twenty-three children with asthma, 23 caregivers and 8 healthcare
providers participated in the study. Varied perception about asthma and its
management was revealed. Factors affecting childhood asthma management
include limited awareness about asthma and its management, inadequate
education received from healthcare professionals and non - adherence to
recommended treatment.
Conclusion: Varied perceptions about asthma and its management were
reported by children with asthma. Low adherence of the children to their
recommended regimens, which may be caused by different factors, may
contribute to suboptimal health outcomes.
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Keywords
Asthma, children with asthma, caregivers