Mothers' and Children's Perceptions of Asthma Medication

Abstract

We examined the perceptions of mothers and children regarding at-home medication use, the most commonly prescribed medical treatment for asthma. Findings provide modest although consistent support for 2 components of the Health Belief Model: Drawbacks and benefits of medication emerged as factors for children's and mothers' perceptions. As predicted, the corresponding parent and child perceptions were significantly related. The more severe the child's asthma, the more benefits and drawbacks child and mother perceived.