Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma among adult asthmatic patients in eastern Ethiopia: A multicenter study

Abstract

Objective: Asthma is a major public health problem worldwide. Despite various attempts, it is still uncontrolled in most parts of the world. Moreover, it is contributing to the national and global burden of non-communicable diseases. Studying factors associated with uncontrolled asthma in different parts of Ethiopia is crucial to control the disease and improving the quality of life of asthmatic patients. Thus, this study aimed to determine the factors associated with uncontrolled asthma among adult asthmatic patients in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: Facility-based cross-sectional study was employed from 1st October 2020 to 30th January 2021. A total of 416 adult asthmatic patients participated in the study from six hospitals follow-up clinics. Asthma control test was used to assess the participants level of asthma control and a score of ⩽19 were regarded to have uncontrolled asthma. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with uncontrolled asthma and variables with a p value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result: The prevalence of uncontrolled asthma was 66.1 % (95% confidence interval: 61.5–70.4). Not attending scheduled medical follow-up (adjusted odds ratio: 2.54; 95% confidence interval: 1.28–4.99), poor knowledge about asthma (adjusted odds ratio = 4.59; 95% confidence interval: 2.01–10.51), negative attitude toward asthma (adjusted odds ratio = 3.72; 95% confidence interval: 1.83–7.59), and poor adherence to medications (adjusted odds ratio = 2.53; 95% confidence interval: 1.25–5.13) were significantly associated with uncontrolled asthma. Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma was considerably high. Not attending scheduled medical follow-up, poor knowledge about asthma, negative attitude toward asthma, and poor adherence to anti-asthma medications were associated with uncontrolled asthma. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on increasing the patients’ level of awareness about asthma control, improving medication adherence, and avoiding triggering factors.