Perceptions of Children and Caregivers Regarding Asthma and Its Pharmacotherapy: A Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT

Asthma, when untreated, may lead to serious implications, especially in the pediatric population. Understanding the perceptions and needs of children and their caregivers may optimize asthma management. This study was aimed to analyze the perceptions of children and their caregivers regarding asthma and its pharmacotherapy. This is a qualitative study using 2 focus groups. We use the Bardin's content analysis. Three researchers made data cross-validation. As for results, the first focus group comprised 7 children who had uncontrolled asthma. The second group comprised 7 caregivers who were the children's mothers. Four categories emerged living with asthma, impact of asthma, medications, and health care. Asthma and its pharmacotherapy significantly affect the daily activities of children and mothers. Thus, understand feelings and experiences of patients and caregivers, in addition to educational and welcoming interventions for families in asthma management may be carried out by health care professionals to minimize the damage caused by this disease.