Assessment of Misconceptions and Management of Parents of Asthmatic Children in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is the leading chronic respiratory disease affecting children and significantly impacts quality of life, especially in Saudi Arabia. In this study, we evaluated parental knowledge and practices regarding asthma management, identifying gaps that hinder effective control of the condition.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2024, using a convenience sample of parents from various regions of Saudi Arabia. A 10-item questionnaire distributed via social media was used to assess participants’ understanding of asthma management.
Results: The survey involved 134 parents, predominantly mothers (73.1%) with varied demographics distributed across different regions of Saudi Arabia. The analysis revealed that the vast majority (90.3 %) of parents lacked sufficient knowledge regarding the effective management of childhood asthma. Notable misconceptions included a substantial belief among parents that inhalers could lead to prolonged dependency, with 31.3% agreeing that inhalers were potentially addictive. Furthermore, 62% of the respondents erroneously believed that asthma medications should only be administered when symptoms are evident, indicating a reactive rather than preventive approach to asthma management. Additional findings have highlighted concerns over inhaler usage without a spacer, with many parents being unaware of the benefits of this device for medication delivery. This study also revealed a lack of awareness regarding the importance of regular medication adherence in the effective management of asthma. Despite the availability of information, there was significant reliance on emergency services, with a considerable proportion of parents opting to take their children to emergency rooms for mild asthma symptoms, underscoring the urgent need for better educational outreach and resources.
Conclusion: Our findings revealed a significant need for educational programs to improve parental management of childhood asthma in Saudi Arabia. Addressing these knowledge gaps could enhance disease outcomes and reduce healthcare burden.