Knowledge, attitude, and practice of asthma among the adults in Shendi locality, Sudan: A cross-sectional study

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition leading to intermittent airway narrowing and obstruction. Although millions suffer from asthma globally, there is limited data from African countries, particularly Sudan. This study addresses the gap in research on asthma knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the adults in Shendi locality, Northern Sudan. This cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted in Kabushiya village, Shendi, Sudan, involving 148 participants selected through multistage random sampling. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a validated, structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, Fisher exact tests, and multiple linear regression. Participants demonstrated high levels of knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices regarding asthma. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with marital status, education, occupation, and income (P values: .040, .003, .000, and .006, respectively), with the highest medians among divorced individuals, those with higher education, professional workers, and people earning <50,000 SDGs (medians: 17, 16, 17, and 16, respectively). Attitude scores varied significantly by marital status, education, occupation, and family asthma history (P values: .001, .000, .003, and .016, respectively), with highest scores among divorced individuals, those with high school or higher education, professionals, and those with a first-degree relative with asthma (medians: 6, 5, 5, and 5, respectively). Patient practice scores differed by marital status and income (P values: .026 and .006, respectively), with higher scores among singles and those earning <50,000 SDGs. Co-patient practice scores were significantly influenced by occupation, personal or familial asthma experience, and family asthma status (P values: .026, .003, and .000, respectively). No significant differences were observed in co-patient practice scores between groups. The study highlights a generally good level of asthma knowledge and positive attitudes among participants, with some variability in practices based on socio-demographic factors. These findings emphasize the need for targeted education and intervention programs to improve asthma management in rural Sudan.