Does the Level of Knowledge Individuals Possess about Their Asthma Relate to Their Attitude and Self-efficacy Toward Their Asthma?

Abstract

Asthma is an incurable life long disease with symptom management as the goal. Despite adequate medical management being available, the numbers of deaths, emergency room visits, and reports of uncontrolled asthma events continue to rise. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy in individuals who were 18 years of age or older who had been diagnosed by a primary care provider to have asthma. The sample consised of 11 adults. This study was a survey design using a self administered questionnaire. The survey tool was the Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy Asthma Questionnaire (KASE-AQ©). This tool was utilized to explore whether an individual's knowledge about their asthma had a relationship to their: 1) attitude toward their asthma, and 2) level of self efficacy toward their asthma. Fliers explaning the details of the study were posted at two primary care physician offices along with having the survey tool available at the sites. After completiion the tool was returned. The results of this study showed a significant relationship between a subject's knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy. The goal for nursing would be to use this information to foster positive asthma management behaviors for their clients.