Knowledge of risk factors and guidelines for the management of asthma. The educational role of the nurse.

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to determine the level of knowledge concerning risk factors for the development of asthma and worsening of the course of the disease among patients, as well as achieving a better understanding of the educational role of the nurse in improving the quality of life of patients suffering from the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was a questionnaire study involving 100 patients suffering from asthma. 59 of them were diagnosed as having an allergic and 41 a nonallergic asthma. In the main they were patients suffering from moderate to severe asthma, who had attended the outpatient allergology clinic for many years. RESULTS Analysis of the results obtained demonstrated the significant effects of asthma for the lives and health of the patients questioned. This was reflected in the high number of people registered as unable to work and receiving invalidity benefits, and influenced the activity of the majority patients in various spheres of life. A number of respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of the risk factors for asthma and ways of eliminating the illness. The majority of patients had a good knowledge of the names, doses and ways in which they should take their prescribed medication as well as showing an understanding of the principles of taking additional medicines as necessary. Their knowledge of the principles of anti-inflammatory treatment, which is a basic factor in the treatment of patients with asthma was, however very poor. CONCLUSIONS Among patients suffering from asthma there is a great need for health information. The majority of respondents expressed a willingness to take part in training sessions to be run by nursing staff. The focus of these educational sessions should be on improving the patients' knowledge about asthma as a chronic inflammatory disease, helping to eliminate and limit risk factors for the disease, treatment principles and avoiding the side-effects of prescribed medication.