Factors Predicting Preventive Behaviors and Asthmatic Control Among Caregivers of Asthmatic Children in Lomsak District, Phetchabun Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine 1) predisposing factors, reinforcing factors, and enabling factors 2) preventive behaviors and asthmatic control and 3) predictive factors of preventive behavior and asthmatic control. This purposive sample included 130 caregivers of asthmatic children aged 1 day to 6 years old who received healthcare services at the Asthma Clinic in Lomsak District, Phetchabun Province, Thailand. The survey questionnaire included demographic data of caregivers and asthmatic children, predisposing factors, reinforcing factors, enabling factors, and preventive and control behaviors. This study applied the PRECEDE Framework (Green and Kreuter). Five experts reviewed the instrument. The content validity index was 0.87. The reliability of the instrument was 0.95, tested by Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient and the reliability of knowledge was 0.80, tested by KR21. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression by stepwise regression analysis. The results of the study were as follows: 1. Predisposing factors included an individual’s knowledge and attitudes. Reinforcing factors included health personnel support. Enabling factors were utilized at high levels; they included accessibility of resources or health services and referral system utilization. (100.0%, 86.9%, 91.5%, 76.2% and 78.5 % respectively). 2. Over half of the sample reported preventive and asthmatic control behaviors by caregivers (53.1%). 3. Accessibility of resources or health services predicted preventive and asthmatic control behaviors (76.2%) (R2 = .094, predisposing factors include an individual’s attitude <.001).