Publication:

Experience and perception of asthma by parents of asthmatic children

Background Childhood and infant asthma are a common condition with a currently increasing prevalence. Few studies have examined the parental aspects of the difficulties associated with this condition. The main objective of this study is to explore the experience and perception of asthma by parents of asthmatic children.

Methods This was a qualitative descriptive study in semi-directed interviews with parents of asthmatic children from 01 to 30 April to 2023, conducted in three pediatric departments in Antananarivo. The survey focuses mainly on the experience, feelings and perception of asthma.

Results Thirty parents, the majority of whom were mothers, were surveyed. Most parents defined asthma as "a chronic, serious disease that can be fatal" and some as "a condition." They mainly reported a fear of the severity of the attack and death with each exacerbation of their child's asthma. Five children were not followed by a doctor for their asthma. All parents knew the medications used for their child's asthma but not all knew their mechanism of action. Most parents said they had no reason not to follow the doctors' recommendations and prescriptions and took precautions to avoid contributing factors. However, some also used lemon and honey as a "cough suppressant," crocodile oil, traditional massage, or kept a turtle at home to cure asthma.

Conclusions Information provided to parents regarding asthma is still insufficient, requiring increased therapeutic education to promote therapeutic adherence and better asthma control.