Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma among Sudanese adult patients

Abstract

Objectives: Uncontrolled asthma is a major health problem resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, healthcare utilization, and costs. The aim of this study was to determine the level of asthma control and its associated factors in Sudan. Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 362 adult asthmatics consecutively recruited from the three main tertiary hospitals in Khartoum State-Sudan, between March and June 2018. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and the asthma control test (ACT) was used to determine the level of control. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with uncontrolled asthma. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 40.1 years (SD 15.7) and the sex distribution was almost equal, with 195 (53.9%) females. Among all asthmatics, the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma was 84.5%, according to ACT score. Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma included; health facility (odd ratios [OR] = 2.96 [1.27–6.86]), time to reach facility (OR = 4.51 [1.68–12.06]), non-adherence to follow-up visits (OR = 5.11 [1.12–23.36]), steroids tablets use without prescription (OR = 9.01 [1.01–79.88]), family history of asthma (OR = 0.45 [0.21– 0.95]), and inhaler technique training (OR = 0.37 [0.17–0.78]). Conclusion: This study showed a high rate of uncontrolled asthma in three tertiary hospitals in Khartoum. Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma may be considered as targets for future intervention strategies.