DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.178836.2 ISSN: 2046-1402

The Extent of Patient’s Satisfaction Regarding Inhaler Counselling in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – A Cross-sectional Study

Arwa Fairaq, Amal Alagha, Manal Abdulsatar, Amin A Hafiz, Halah A. Hafiz, Yosra Alhindi
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Background Incorrect inhaler technique and inadequate counseling may compromise the effectiveness of inhaled therapy. This study assessed patient-reported satisfaction with pharmacist counseling and self-reported inhaler-use practices among respondents recruited at Heraa General Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional, single-center survey was conducted from January to March 2024. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire during face-to-face hospital recruitment. The primary outcome was patient-reported satisfaction with pharmacist counseling; secondary outcomes included reported receipt of counseling and self-reported inhaler-use practices. Bivariate associations were assessed using chi-square tests with Benjamini-Hochberg false-discovery-rate adjustment, and multivariable logistic regression was used for adjusted analyses. Results A total of 300 participant records were analyzed; 118 (39.3%) were male and 182 (60.7%) were female. Overall, 167/300 (55.7%) were satisfied or very satisfied with pharmacist counseling, whereas 114/300 (38.0%) selected the questionnaire-defined correct sequence of inhaler-use steps. Most respondents reported that pharmacists did not explain why the inhaler was prescribed (182/300, 60.7%) or what to do after a missed dose (248/300, 82.7%). In adjusted analysis, receiving an explanation of inhaler use was associated with satisfaction (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.93, 95% CI 3.57-13.48) but not with selection of the correct sequence (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.34-1.27). Conclusion Respondents generally reported favorable satisfaction with pharmacist counseling, but several counseling elements were frequently not received and self-reported inhaler-use practices showed important gaps. Because inhaler technique was not directly observed and the design was cross-sectional, the findings should not be interpreted as an objective assessment of inhaler competence or as evidence that counseling caused better adherence or technique.

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