Asthma knowledge and behaviours among mothers of asthmatic children in Aseer, south-west Saudi Arabia

Mothers of children with bronchial asthma consecutively admitted to Aseer central hospital, Saudi Arabia (n = 171), were interviewed using a questionnaire based on the Chicago Community Asthma Survey to study their knowledge and behaviours concerning bronchial asthma. The least known information among mothers was the complications of bronchial asthma. Breathing exercises during asthma attacks were the least practised behaviour. In a multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for poor knowledge and behaviours among mothers were female sex of the child, illiterate mother and young age of mother ( 30 years). More education is needed to help the mothers of asthmatic children to acquire the necessary knowledge and practices to care for their children.