Predictive Factors of Caregiving Behavior among Caregivers of Children with Asthma at Cha-am Hospital, Phetchaburi Province.

Abstract

               This predictive research aimed to examine knowledge about asthma, perceptions according to Health Belief Model (HBM) components, relationships with caregiving behaviors for pediatric asthma patients, and predictive factors of caregiving behaviors among caregivers at Cha-am Hospital. The sample consisted of 173 primary caregivers of pediatric asthma patients, selected through simple random sampling using a lottery method. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.

              The results showed that the majority of participants were female (79.77%) and aged 51-60 years (41.62%). Most respondents had a moderate level of knowledge about asthma (70.52%). Perceptions of susceptibility, severity of complications, and self-efficacy were at high levels, while perceptions of benefits and barriers were at moderate levels. Most caregivers demonstrated appropriate caregiving behaviors (94.22%). Knowledge about asthma, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity of complications were significantly correlated with caregiving behaviors (p < .05). Predictive factors for caregiving behaviors included knowledge about asthma and perceived susceptibility to complications, which explained 31.6% of the variance (p < .05). Therefore, enhancing knowledge and perceptions about asthma represents an important approach for developing appropriate caregiving behaviors.