Awareness and Preventive Practices Toward Asthma Among Rural Populations: Implications for Delayed Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disorder that remains a major public health concern, particularly in underserved rural regions. Despite global advancements in asthma diagnosis and management, rural populations continue to experience limited healthcare access, poor awareness, and inadequate preventive practices, resulting in delayed diagnosis and suboptimal disease control.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among rural adults aged 18 years and above to assess levels of asthma awareness, preventive practices, and healthcare accessibility. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and health facility assessment checklists. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed.
Results: The study revealed low awareness of asthma symptoms, triggers, and preventive measures among a significant proportion of participants. Preventive practices, including regular use of inhalers, were poor, with many individuals relying on home-based remedies. Delayed healthcare-seeking behavior was commonly observed due to financial constraints, distance to health facilities, cultural beliefs, and limited availability of essential asthma medications. Poor awareness showed a significant association with delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Discussion: The findings highlight critical gaps in asthma knowledge and preventive practices in rural settings, contributing to delayed diagnosis and poor disease management. Strengthening community-based asthma education, improving access to primary healthcare services, and enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers particularly through nurse-led interventions are essential to improving early detection and management.