DefinePK

Abstract

Beliefs and attitudes have been proposed as partial explanations for low adherence to medical therapy and the consequent high morbidity from asthma. Out of a database of Rural Health Center in Northern Pakistan, one hundred and seventy three self reported asthmatics were interviewed; 75% of whom were diagnosed by doctors and 25% self diagnosed. The participants’ mean age was 39.4±18 years; 59% were females. Thirty seven percent were housewives, 18% farmers, 15 % students whereas 40% were unemployed. The mean duration of illness was seventy two months (range 1 to 480 months). Monthly income of 79% of the participants was less than Rs.5000.00. On assessment, the diagnosis of asthma was confirmed by experts in 143 (83%) cases, mean FEV1 76.6±28.4% predicted; whereas 30 (17%) patients with mean FEV148.6±23.1% predicted, were found to be suffering from COPD on the basis ofhistory, examination, spirometry, reversibility testing and response to treatment. The KAP results showed the following perceptions among the asthma patients: Asthma can be cured (50%); Asthma requires life long medication (54%); Asthma can not be cured (27%); My children will also suffer from asthma (26%); Asthma is fatal disease (53%) and Asthma is contagious disease (50%). KAP of asthma patients in rural communities regarding asthma is low and majority of the patients have poorly controlled asthma. Self reported asthma should be confirmed by trained health professionals.