Assessment of inhalation technique among patients of chronic respiratory disorders in civil hospital Karachi: A cross sectional study

Objective: to evaluate the inhaler technique of patients and the awareness acquired during pulmonary teachings given in the beginning of the treatment. methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted at civil hospital,karachi,from december 2013 to july 2014,and comprised patients diagnosed with obstructive broncho-pulmonary diseases and who were using inhaler therapy. a questionnaire was designed to assess the technique by an inhaler technique checklist,which was pilot-tested and was filled after obtaining verbal consent. spss 19 was used for data analysis. results: of the 202 participants,110(54.45%) were women and 92(45.54%) were men. moreover,168(83.2%) used metered-dose inhaler while 34(16.8%) used dry-powder inhaler. besides,134(79.8%) patients showed incorrect technique while using metered-dose inhaler while 22(61.1%) used dry-powder inhaler improperly. conclusion: in spite of the guidelines given,improper inhalation technique persisted in population leading to uncontrolled asthma and poor treatment compliance. � 2016,pakistan medical association. all rights reserved.