RESUMO
To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices among caregivers of asthmatic children and to describe their clinical and biographic features. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in asthma clinic and medical wards of children hospital P.I.M.S.100 diagnosed asthmatic children and their caregivers were enrolled. Two questionnaire one comprising clinical aspects and other regarding knowledge attitude and practices among caregivers were administered. 100 asthmatic children and their caregivers participated. Among children, 77% were breastfed, 95% were immunized, only 13% were receiving controller medications and 62% were having >5 acute exacerbations per year. Diagnosis of asthma was accepted by 76% of caregivers, of which 67% recognized correct etiology. Multiple food items were blamed for acute exacerbations, while respiratory infections were most commonly recognized triggering factor. 50% of study population was ignorant of aerosol therapy and only 26% prefer it. Cough suppressants are most popular home medications. Asthma awareness is inadequate. Controller medications and aerosol therapy is underused and unnecessarily blamed. Asthmatic children are deprived of nutritious food considering them as triggering factors. Awareness raising strategies are needed in community