Are high generalised and asthma-specific self-efficacy predictive of adequate self-management behaviour among adult asthma patients?
In asthma self-management training, often self-treatment guidelines are included, because increased knowledge of asthma alone is not sufficient to change behaviour. One way to achieve behavioural changes is by increasing the patient's general and asthma-specific self-efficacy expectancies. This refers to beliefs in one's capabilities to execute the recommended course of action successfully. We wanted to assess whether high generalised and asthma-specific self-efficacy expectancies were predictive of adequate self-management and self-treatment behaviour. A questionnaire was sent to 4563 persons (18-65 years) who had used inhaled medication in 1993. Self-management and self-treatment behaviour were operationalised through a hypothetical scenario of a slow-onset asthma exacerbation. Of all 1262 asthmatic patients, 39.3% showed adequate self-treatment behaviour (self-adjusting their inhaled or oral steroids when appropriate). Age, asthma-specific outcome expectancies and knowledge were predictive of adequate self-treatment. Adequate self-management behaviour (self-treatment or seeking medical help) was observed in 56.4% of patients. Intentions towards self-management and asthma-specific knowledge were significant. Only knowledge has a relevant influence on both. Asthma-specific knowledge is the only factor that seems relevant for adequate self-management and self-treatment behaviour, which might be explained by the hypothetical nature of the scenario. When patients experience a real asthma exacerbation, self-efficacy expectancies will become more important. Only if knowledge of what to do is present will patients be able to show proper self-management and self-treatment behaviour. Our results suggest that self-treatment guidelines are only effective in combination with patient education, which is important for optimal control of their disease.
van der Palen
J
J
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
Klein
J J
JJ
Seydel
E R
ER
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017145:Models, Educational; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires