A cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitude and practice about inhaler usage in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma patients

• Author Details:   
• Niriksha Shivsharanappa Adky
• Abhinandan S Kumbar ^*
• Basavaraj Sureshbabu Sangolli

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Introduction: Drug inhalation is the treatment of choice for chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease (COPD) and Asthma patients and the maximum benefit depends on thecorrect use of inhaler devices. Majority of patients inhalation errors and suboptimalinhaler technique is associated with worsened health outcomes.
Aim and Objectives: 1. To assess the awareness of correct inhaler technique among COPD and bronchial asthma patients. 2. To estimate the proportion of COPD and bronchial asthma patients, who practice correct inhaler technique.
Materials and Methods: COPD and Asthma patients attending Basaveshwara hospital were included in the study. Patients were asked to demonstrate use of inhalers and assessed for inhalertechnique and necessary history noted. Data analysed using standard statistical methods.
Results and Discussion: 100 patients participated in the study and it was observed that 62% were males and 38% were females, 64% were COPD patients and 36% were Asthma patients, and 67% were using Dry powder inhaler (DPI), 12% were using Meter doseinhaler (MDI), 21% were using MDI with spacer, 43% followed a good technique and 57% demonstrated poor technique, and 40% were aware about the importancegood technique and 60% were unaware.
Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of error in inhaler technique. The identification of factors associated with error could provide information to implement appropriateactions to reduce the rates of wrong technique and improve outcome.

Keywords:  Inhaler Usage, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma, Awareness