Evaluation of Parents’ Opinions About the Fear of Inhaler Corticosteroid Treatment in Child Patients Diagnosed with Asthma

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study was to determine concerns and fears of parents of children with asthma towards the use of ICS, and its’ impact on asthma management. Material and Methods: This prospective study was conducted between 01.04.2023 and 01.06.2024, at the Dr.Burhan Nalbantoğlu Hospital, The Pediatric Immunology and Allergy Clinic, and patients who had been followed up with asthma diagnosis, were included. Results: There was 100 patients in our study. Out of 100 patients, 67 (67 %) were male. The median age of the children was 84.5 months (IQR,73.2-119.5). The median age of asthma diagnosis was 65.5 months (IQR, 24-76.75). All of the patients were using asthma maintenance therapy, and 87 (87%) patients were using it regularly. Out of 100 parents, 78 (78 %) had fear and concern of potential adverse effects of using inhaled corticosteroid treatment long time in their children. The most common fears and concerns were described as causing weight gain in 34 (34%) parents, dependance to drug in 33 (33%) parents, and causing growth retardation in 27 (27 %) parents. Patients having fear of corticosteroid tended to have difficulties in medicine use (p=0.001). Patients not knowing the treatment of asthma, and not knowing the role of corticosteroid in asthma tended not to have fear of corticosteroid treatment (p=0.046, and 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: In our study, 78% of the parents had fear and concern of potential adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroid treatment. The most common fear and concerns were about weight gain, dependance to drug, and growth retardation.

Keywords

• asthma
• child
• corticophobia

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