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. 2023 Sep;23(3):672-682.
doi: 10.4314/ahs.v23i3.78.

Factors associated with poor asthma symptom control in adult Angolan regularly seen at an outpatient respiratory clinic

Margarete L T Arrais  1   2 , Tiago J P Maricoto  3   4   5 , Ofélia M Lulua  1 , Francisca G S Quifica  1 , Jorge M R Gama  6 , Miguel D Brito  2   7 , Luis Taborda-Barata  4   5   8
Affiliations

Factors associated with poor asthma symptom control in adult Angolan regularly seen at an outpatient respiratory clinic

Margarete L T Arrais et al. Afr Health Sci. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases and one of the most frequent causes of hospital care.

Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics of asthma and factors associated with its control.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Military Hospital in Luanda, from April 2018 to March 2019. Data collection was performed using questionnaires on asthma symptoms and treatment, socio-demographic and environmental questions, and a Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) questionnaire to assess the level of asthma control. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed. We estimated odds ratios, for higher categories of asthma control. P<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The sample consisted of 305 asthmatics ≥18-years-old, 56% women, with a mean age of 41.3 years. About 28% of patients had controlled asthma, 36% partially controlled and 35% uncontrolled. Poor asthma control was associated with frequent use of short-acting beta-2 agonists [OR 5.70 (95%CI 2.37;13.7)], oral corticosteroids [OR 3.68 (95%CI 2.24;6.04)], and incorrect inhaler technique [OR 4.08 (95%CI 1.25;13.3)].

Conclusions: A significant number of adults living in Luanda have uncontrolled asthma due to the under-use of inhaled corticosteroid therapy. It is necessary to develop strategic management and prevention plans to improve Angolan asthmatics' medical care.

Keywords: Angola; Asthma; inhalers; symptom control.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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