To examine how children store and use inhalers across home, school, and community settings, and to evaluate the relationship of these practices to asthma control and exacerbations.
Key Findings:
52% of children reported independently storing quick-relief inhalers at home (N=47).
60% of children indicated independent storage at school (N=54), and 90% in the community (N=81).
54% of children independently used inhalers at home (N=48), while 82% did so at school (N=74).
Moderate correlation found between independent inhaler storage and use within settings.
No association between inhaler storage/use and asthma control or exacerbations.
Interpretation:
The study highlights variations in inhaler storage and use practices among children with asthma across different settings, suggesting important implications for enhancing asthma self-management strategies.
Limitations:
Study conducted in a single urban academic medical center, limiting generalizability.
Cross-sectional design does not establish causality.
Sample may not represent diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Conclusion:
Findings identify patterns in inhaler storage and use, suggesting opportunities for improved asthma care collaboration among clinicians, caregivers, and children.
