Objective: To determine the proportion and influenced factors related to the correct inhaler technique of patients in Songklanagarind Hospital

Materials and methods: This study was prospective observation and cross-sectional analysis study. The technique of inhaler were observed and checked process by observational checklist. The patients were be diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma and visited in Songklanagarind Hospital between 1 August 2010 - 31 January 2011.

Results: One hundred and twenty six patients were enrolled to the study. The three devices were Meter dose inhaler (MDI), Terbuhaler and Accuhaler that divide to 124, 65 and 26 patients. respectively. The correct inhaler technique, in three devices were MDI, Turbuhaler and Accuhaler, were 42.1% 64.6% and 50%, respectively. The influenced factors related to the correct inhaler technique were statistic significant. MDI was taught with chest clinic, no co-morbidity. Turbuhaler was taught with chest clinic, learning more than primary education, no co-morbidity and age ≤55 year olds. Accuhaler was the patient who living in city.

Conclusions: The proportion of correct inhaler technique of patients in Songklanagarind hospital were 42.1% 64.6% and 50% in MDI, Turbuhaler and Accuhaler device, respectively. The influenced factors related to the correct inhaler technique were statistical significant were taught with chest clinic, no co-morbidity, learning more than primary education, age ≤55 year olds and living in city