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 medi cal regimen, number of emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizatio ns in adults with asthma. METHOD: The sample consisted of 29 adults with a diagnosis of asthma. The r elationship among knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and compliance with medical regimen was explored through use of a survey design. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy Asthma Questionnaire and the Asthma Management Questionnaire that measured compliance were mailed to subjects' homes. Onc e completed, questionnaires were returned, and demographic data and number of ED visits and hospitalizations were obtained through a retrospective cha rt review. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between knowledge and attitude s and knowledge and self-efficacy. The more positive persons' attitudes tow ard their asthma, the higher their knowledge and self-efficacy scores. Ther e were significant correlations between select demographic variables and kn owledge, attitude, and self-efficacy. Women scored higher on attitudes, per sons with a college education scored higher on knowledge and attitudes, and persons with mild asthma scored highest on the self-efficacy scale. Compli ance with use of peak-flow meters correlated with higher scores on the atti tude and self-efficacy scales. The higher total compliance score group had significantly higher self-efficacy scores. In addition, higher self-efficac y 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 hospitalizatio ns. The knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy Asthma Questionnaire provide s a means for nurses to assess patients' knowledge, attitudes. and self-eff icacy regarding their asthma. Patients with low scores could be channeled i nto programs that would help them improve their ability to manage their ast hma.