THE KNOWLEDGE REGARDING BRONCHIAL ASTHMA AMONG ASTHMATIC PATIENTS IN A SELECTED HOSPITAL AT KANPUR, UTTAR PRADESH WITH A VIEW TO DEVELOP AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE

Abstract

According to the Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention Guidelines, asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that is characterized by episodes of wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness, coughing, especially at night or in the early morning, and increased airway hyperresponsiveness. Acute bronco-constriction, persistent mucus plug development, and airway wall edema or remodeling are among ways whereby airway inflammation limits airflow. A descriptive survey approach was used for this study and the study was conducted in a selected hospital in Kanpur. A total of 50 samples were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by structured knowledge questionnaire. Formal written permission from the concerned authority of the hospital and informed consent from the patients were obtained prior to data collection process. Findings of this study have shown that the knowledge regarding bronchial asthma among asthmatic patients was less (Mean-10.22, Standard Deviation2.46) and therefore support the need to develop the health educational material to increase the knowledge of patients regarding bronchial asthma. Educating the patients and providing them with correct information can help them to prevent complications. The investigator with the help of experts developed an educational guide on bronchial asthma to provide knowledge to asthmatic patients.