Abstract
ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of asthma in adults in the Republic of Panama. MethodsA national survey was conducted by way of telephone calls and digital tools, using a shortened modified version of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire; patients with respiratory symptoms subsequently underwent clinical evaluation, simple spirometry, and bronchodilator testing to confirm asthma. ResultsBetween January and June 2019, we administered 1,532 questionnaires in the 10 provinces of the Republic of Panama, of which 1,514 were valid for the study. Respiratory symptoms were determined in 240 patients who were invited for clinical evaluation. Clinical and spirometric characteristics consistent with asthma were detected in 109/1,514 (7.2%) and clinical characteristics of asthma with normal spirometry in 44/1,514 (2.9%), for an overall prevalence of 10.1%. In total, 68.6% of asthmatics were women (χ2=23.62; P≤.0001), 22.2% (34/153) had a previous diagnosis of asthma, and 7.8% (12/153) had performed spirometry previously. Body mass index was≥25 in 72.5% (111/153) of the subjects, with no differences between sexes for this variable, while 43.1% (66/153) had presented some exacerbation in the previous year. Risk factors were rhinitis (χ2=11.9; P<.005), OR 2.38 (95% CI 1.4-3.9), and smoking (χ2=5.5; P<.005), OR 5.28 (95% CI 1.1-24.5). ConclusionsThe prevalence of asthma in adults in Panama is similar to other Latin American countries, and is more prevalent in women. Low use of spirometry leads to underdiagnosis. Rhinitis and smoking are risk factors. Obesity is a common condition in our country.
Published Version
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