Asthma: knowledge and practice patterns of Louisiana family physicians.
BACKGROUND
This study examines the practice patterns of Louisiana family physicians in managing asthma with attention to National Asthma Education Program (NAEP) guidelines.


METHODS
A confidential two-page, multiple choice, 24-question survey was faxed to the 550 active members of the Louisiana Academy of Family Practitioners. It included questions related to the use of peak flow meters and pulse oximetry, nedocromil, theophylline, beta 2 agonists, suppressive antibiotics, inhaled steroids, as well as knowledge of published guidelines for classifying and treating asthma.


RESULTS
Most of those who participated have an appropriate knowledge of asthma classification, but a sharp drop in the knowledge of the correct management of step 4 asthma was seen. A minority of respondents claimed knowledge of the NIH guidelines, but their management patterns for adult step 1, 2, and 3 asthma were largely in agreement with the guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
Unlike previous studies in the literature, this one shows good knowledge and reported practice compliance with the NAEP guidelines by Louisiana family physicians.
Roger
R
Zoorab
Christopher
C
Wormuth
Michele
M
McCarthy-Larzelere
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D009316:National Institutes of Health (U.S.); D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States