[Knowledge about drugs used by adult patients with asthma for self-treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge of adult asthmatics about medication for self-treatment.

DESIGN: Descriptive.

SETTING: Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.

METHODS: As a part of a larger project aimed at improvement of self-management and self-treatment, all adults aged 18-65 years in Enschede (population 146,000) reported by the city pharmacists as using medication for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in 1994 were sent a questionnaire including 7 items pertaining to knowledge about lung medication. From among those who failed to respond after a written reminder and an appeal in local papers, a random group of 9% were interviewed by telephone. Of the responders who reported that according to their GPs they had asthma and who had answered the questions on medication, the number of questions answered correctly was counted; in addition, the question was investigated whether their level of knowledge was related to sex, education, use of (inhalation) corticosteroids and the form of explanation received.

RESULTS: A total of 4563 questionnaires were sent out: 2259 (50%) usable forms were returned. The responders were better educated than the 192 non-responders interviewed, but did not differ as to age or sex. Of the responders, 1262 (56%) reported that their GPs had told them they had asthma. On average they had answered 2.4 (range: 0-7) out of 7 questions correctly. Previous instruction, number of sources of information, duration of taking medication, use of inhaled steroids, female sex and better education were all positively related with a higher knowledge score in this group.

CONCLUSION: Adult asthmatics did not have sufficient knowledge about their medication. Improving such knowledge should therefore be an important element in the development of a self-management programme.