Khairunnisa, MB Bahari
This study was designed to determine the level of knowledge on asthma and its management and factors associated with knowledge about asthma among primary school teachers in Penang, Malaysia. A cross-sectional observation study was carried out among teachers from 32 randomly selected primary schools out of 114 schools in Penang, Malaysia. A questionnaire was used for data collection which comprised of 47 statements about cause, symptoms, management and exercise-induced asthma. Respondents marked either yes, no, true and false. Each correct answer was worth one point and no point was given for incorrect answer and no response. The final scores were totally 47. The score categories were poor knowledge (≤ 50% of correct answer), moderate knowledge (50% < x ≤ 75% of correct answer) and good knowledge (≥ 75% of correct answer). A total of 813 teachers participated in this study. Majority were 77.7% female and 89.9% Malay. The mean age and mean teaching experience were 36.85 ± 7.88 and 12.56 ± 8.17, respectively. The primary school teachers knowledge about asthma and its management was generally categorized in moderate knowledge with mean score was 34.53 of 47 scores (73.46%). Knowledge on cause of asthma and asthma symptoms were categorized in good knowledge (75.87% and 79.7%, respectively). However, knowledge on asthma management and exercise-induced asthma were categorized in moderate knowledge (73.17% and 64.0%, respectively). The teachers’ asthma knowledge were significantly higher among teachers who are suffering from asthma, have child with asthma and who have read a book or article about asthma. The study concluded that primary school teachers in Penang have moderate level of knowledge on asthma and its management. Teachers who have asthma or having child with asthma or have read about asthma generally have better knowledge on asthma and its management.
