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Asthma beyond the clinic: a decade-long narrative review of parental knowledge and practices in Indian children
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Published: 17 December 2025
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This narrative review explores parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward childhood asthma in India, covering aspects of disease etiology, stigma, trigger avoidance, and management, and their overall impact on asthma control and outcomes. A total of 17 studies from 2014 to 2024 focusing on parental KAP were analyzed, excluding those centered on healthcare providers or lacking KAP-compliance correlation. This review reveals widespread parental misconceptions, stigma, and poor knowledge about childhood asthma in India, influenced by regional and socioeconomic factors. Fear of inhalers, use of alternative therapies, and cost barriers to treatment are common. Improved, culturally tailored education and policy efforts are needed to enhance asthma care and outcomes. Parental KAP significantly influences asthma control, with gaps caused by misconceptions, cultural beliefs, and poor practices. Regional disparities highlight the need for context-specific strategies. Despite various global and national asthma guidelines, parental knowledge and practices in India remain poor. Culturally tailored education, community engagement, and policy support are essential to improve parental compliance and childhood asthma outcomes, particularly in underserved regions.
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How to Cite
“Asthma Beyond the Clinic: A Decade-Long Narrative Review of Parental Knowledge and Practices in Indian Children”. 2025. Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease, December. https://doi.org/10.4081/monaldi.2025.3622.
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