Abstract
Aim: To determine the difference between asthmatics followed in asthma clinics , and asthmatics followed in non-asthma clinics in terms of knowledge about asthma definition, knowledge about provokers, proper inhaler technique, proper medication used and impact of asthma on life. Methods: This is a survey study conducted during the period of May 2005 to April 2006. The study included 136 Kuwaiti asthmatics, 12 years and above who are registered in asthma clinics distributed in different health areas. These cases were matched by age and sex with 136 controls collected from non-asthma ordinary primary care clinics. A specially designed questionnaire was developed based on five broad sections: socio-demographic characteristics, asthma history, asthma knowledge, effect of asthma on patient and finally patient satisfaction. Data were collected through interviews with cases in asthma clinics and controls in other clinics who came for asthma or other complaints. Results: The study showed that there is a significant difference between asthmatics in asthma clinics and those in non-asthma clinics in terms of knowledge about asthma as a disease and its most known provokers. They were more on proper medication especially anti-inflammatory and were more proficient in using the inhaler. Conclusion: Expanding asthma clinics can be used as an opportunity to improve asthma care at primary care level.
Highlights
Asthma is a major public health problem worldwide
The study showed that there is a significant difference between asthmatics in asthma clinics and those in non-asthma clinics in terms of knowledge about asthma as a disease and its most known provokers
Expanding asthma clinics can be used as an opportunity to improve asthma care at primary care level
Summary
Asthma is a major public health problem worldwide. It affects between 7 to 20 million people in the United States. Mortality and morbidity figures include approximately 5000 deaths and 100 million days of restricted activity annually. It is responsible for more than 470,000 hospitalizations annually and an estimated 6 billion dollar in total medical cost (1). In Kuwait the annual cost of treating a case of moderate asthma is 562 US$. The lack of generic inhalers and inhaled steroids is the main reason for the high drug costs in Kuwait (2). Morbidity and mortality continue to increase despite the reversible nature of the disease and an expanding list of therapeutic agents. Asthma deaths can be traced to a number of factors including an underestimation of its severity, delays in starting treatment in acute exacerbations and unsatisfactory routine management
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