Awareness and Preventive Practices Toward Asthma Among Rural Populations: Implications for Delayed Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disorder that continues to pose a major public health challenge, particularly in underserved rural regions. Despite advancements in asthma diagnosis and treatment globally, rural communities often experience limited access to healthcare, poor awareness, and inadequate preventive practices, resulting in delayed disease recognition and suboptimal management. This descriptive cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the level of asthma awareness, preventive practices, and healthcare accessibility among rural adults aged 18 years and above. Data will be collected through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and health-facility assessment checklists. Anticipated outcomes include low awareness of asthma symptoms and triggers, poor utilization of preventive measures, reliance on home-based remedies, and significant delays in diagnosis and treatment-seeking behavior. Findings are expected to emphasize the urgent requirement for structured community-based asthma education, capacity-building of primary healthcare workers, and nurse-led interventions to improve early identification and management of asthma in rural settings. Strengthening awareness and access to essential respiratory services may substantially reduce morbidity, prevent severe exacerbations, and enhance quality of life among rural residents.