DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2025.v11i01.010

Pages: 37-44

Background: Asthma remains a significant global health concern, with its rising prevalence particularly challenging in low- and middle-income countries due to factors such as pollution, urbanization, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and skills of postgraduate medical students and healthcare assistants in managing asthma using metered-dose inhalers, with the goal of identifying gaps to inform targeted training and educational interventions. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and skills of postgraduate medical students and healthcare assistants in managing asthma using metered-dose inhalers. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study in the Department of Internal Medicine at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital, Dhaka, was conducted from July to December 2015, involving 200 postgraduate medical students & health-assistants (nurses, ward-boys, pharmacists, drug dispensers). Data were collected through structured interviews and observations, analyzed using SPSS version 17.0, and Chi-square tests, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Results: In a study of 200 postgraduate medical students & health- assistants, with a mean age of 30.8 years, 57.4% were male, and 50% were postgraduate medical students 25% were nurses, 15% were ward-boys, 5% were pharmacist & 5% were drug dispensers. All counseled-on inhaler use, but only 71.8% recommended medications. Most performed initial inhaler steps well, but adherence to final steps was inconsistent. Post gradual medical students generally outperformed nurses & other health- assistants, except in "Breathe out slowly and completely" and "Hold breath for 10-15 seconds" and the nurses out-perform the pharmacist. Conclusion: Postgraduate medical students display varied proficiency in metered-dose inhaler techniques, with final steps showing ...