PERCEIVED SELF-EFFICACY PROMOTION IN CAREGIVERS: A CASE STUDY OF CHILDHOOD ASTHMA WITH RECEIVING INHALE PRESSURIZED METERED-DOSE INHALER (pMDI)

Abstract

         Asthma is a common chronic disease among children which the admission rate is increasing. Treatment aims to control symptoms of asthma and help asthma patients to be able to live normally. The children patients should avoid stimuli and have the continuously correct use of inhaling bronchodilator. There are two main types of inhaling bronchodilators, the Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhaler (pMDI) with spacer chamber and without spacer chamber.  They also have different procedures in using and caring after use. However, there are some limitations in self-care due to children's age development. Therefore, caregivers play an important role in maintaining symptom control and following a treatment plan. The lack of knowledge and understanding of the device or the lack of confidence and proper skills may affect children patients resulting in recurrent and having a greater chance of being re-admitted to the hospital. This article aims to present the guideline to promote perceived self-efficacy among caregivers who are taking care of children with asthma. There are four steps of the self-efficacy theory, which are the assessment of caregiver’s need and readiness, relationship building and anxiety-reducing, activities promoting self-efficacy, and additional experience and reviewing. These steps provide caregivers the opportunity to learn and develop their bronchodilator pMDI supporting skills and gaining more confidence in taking care of children patients with asthma at home. These four steps eventually contribute to a good quality of life for children with asthma.