Exploring the nexus: Asthma prevalence, smoking habits, and medication adherence among urban slum dwellers of Delhi

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Asthma is chronic lung disease. Reducing exposure to tobacco smoke is vital for both primary prevention of asthma and disease management. Adherence to medical advice is crucial for the effectiveness of treatments. This research explores the connected dynamics of smoking habits, asthma prevalence, and medication adherence among urban slum dwellers. METHODS: A door-to-door survey was conducted in two urban slums of Delhi, employing a random sampling method to study 318 households comprehensively. Two proficient research volunteers administered a questionnaire designed to assess smoking habits, asthma prevalence, adherence to prescribed medications, and devices used by individuals with asthma. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of asthma was found at 1.6%, with gender-specific rates of 0.9% and 0.7% for males and females, respectively, with a mean age of 35.62 years (standard deviation = 15.93) in the population of 1376 individuals. Within the cohort of asthmatic patients, 13.6% exhibited severe asthma. Despite their asthma diagnosis, 9.1% were current active smokers, and 18.2% transitioned to the use of smokeless tobacco. The odds ratio for being asthmatic in smokers as compared to nonsmokers was 2.11 (95% confidence interval: 0.81–5.46, P = 0.1224). A significant proportion of patients displayed lapses in adhering to prescribed medication regimens. CONCLUSION: The current study sheds light on a concerning trend of negligence observed in both medical adherence and smoking habits among asthmatic patients. The findings underscore the imperative for targeted interventions and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing adherence to medical regimens and mitigating smoking behaviors within this vulnerable patient population. Addressing these factors is pivotal for enhancing comprehensive asthma management, alleviating associated risks, and promoting more favorable long-term health outcomes.