Knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy and compliance with medical regimen, number of emergency department visits, and hospitalizations in adults with asthma

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy and compliance with prescribed medical regimen, number of emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations in adults with asthma. METHOD: The sample consisted of 29 adults with a diagnosis of asthma. The relationship among knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and compliance with medical regimen was explored through use of survey design. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy Asthma Questionnaire and the Asthma Management Questionnaire that measured compliance were mailed to subjects' homes. Once completed, questionnaires were returned, and demographic data and number of ED visits and hospitalizations were obtained through a retrospective chart review. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between knowledge and attitudes and knowledge and self-efficacy. The more positive persons' attitudes toward their asthma, the higher their knowledge and self-efficacy scores. There were significant correlations between select demographic variables and knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy. Women scored higher on attitudes, persons with a college education scored higher on knowledge and attitudes, and persons with mild asthma scored highest on the self-efficacy scale. Compliance with use of peak-flow meters correlated with higher scores on the attitude and self-efficacy scales. The higher total compliance score group had significantly higher self-efficacy scores. In addition, higher self-efficacy scores correlated with lower numbers of hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: Attitudes and self-efficacy rather than knowledge had the most significant impact on compliance and number of ED visits and hospitalizations. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy Asthma Questionnaire provides a means for nurses to assess patients' knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy regarding their asthma. Patients with low scores could be channeled into programs that would help them improve their ability to manage their asthma.