A qualitative evaluation of asthma patients' treatment adherence and psychosocial challenges in their daily lives: A phenomenological design.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that affects physical, psychological, and social functioning. Treatment adherence is essential for achieving disease control; however, it is often influenced by psychosocial, environmental, and treatment-related factors. This study aimed to qualitatively evaluate treatment adherence and psychosocial challenges experienced by patients with asthma in daily life. METHODS: A phenomenological qualitative design was used. Twelve adults with moderate-to-severe asthma were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and analyzed independently by researchers using thematic and open coding in accordance with the Colaizzi phenomenological design . # Results Four main themes emerged: the impact of asthma on daily life; asthma treatment; awareness of asthma and social perception; and social reactions and psychological and emotional factors. Participants reported that asthma diminishes their quality of life through physical burdens, social exclusion from crowded environments affecting their professional lives, and acute respiratory distress triggered by environmental factors. Some participants reported experiencing financial difficulties, side effects and polypharmacy, whereas others continued to use their medications while tolerating the side effects. Social perceptions of asthma may influence patients' psychological well-being and treatment processes, as feelings of exclusion related to coughing attacks or medication use can negatively impact motivation and treatment adherence. Some participants reported that they sometimes sensed uncomfortable looks from those around them . # Conclusion Asthma management involves multidimensional challenges beyond pharmacological treatment. Patient-centred approaches that integrate continuous follow-up, structured education, psychosocial support, and environmental control are essential for improving treatment adherence and long-term disease control.