Inhaler Device Use Among Children Attending the Paediatric Asthma Clinic in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

Objective: This study aimed to assess the appropriateness of inhaler device technique among children and/or their parents attending the Paediatric Asthma Clinic at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra. Methodology: This is a hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 110 children aged 5 to 13 with asthma who attended the Paediatric Asthma Clinic at KBTH in Accra from February 2018 to May 2019. Participants were recruited using a semi-structured, pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The appropriateness of the device technique was assessed by comparing it with a standardised observational checklist; those who successfully demonstrated the steps without omissions were considered to have used the device appropriately. Descriptive statistics were performed. Associations between device technique and age were assessed using the Pearson chi-square test, with P < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Out of 110 participants, 75 (68.2%) demonstrated inappropriate techniques, mainly among those using metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), with or without a spacer device. Participants aged 5-9 years were more likely to use their devices incorrectly than those aged 10-13 years (p-value = 0.041). Conclusion: Most children attending the asthma clinic at KBTH may be misusing their inhaler devices, especially those aged 5-9 years and those using MDI. Asthma care providers should regularly assess, reinforce, and