Assessment of Inhalation Technique among Asthmatic Children and their Carers at the Kenyatta National Hospital; Kenya

RESUMO

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correctness of use of pressurised metered-dose inhalers and spacer devices and to determine the common errors in the inhalation technique and factors associated with incorrect technique. The descriptive cross-sectional survey took place in the Kenyatta National Hospital; Nairobi; Kenya. Eighty-two asthmatic children aged 6 months to 12 years (median age 45 months; 56males) on inhaler medications and their carers were recruited into the study and assessed for correctness of inhalation technique. Of the 82 subjects; only 37 (45.1) performed all the essential steps of the inhalation technique correctly. The commonest errors were failure to take adequate breaths after actuation of inhaler (45) and not shaking the inhaler before use (18). The characteristics of correct and incorrect users are mainly similar. It was concluded that the majority (55) of asthmatic children and their carers do not perform the inhalation technique correctly