Évaluation de contrôle de l’asthme à Brazzaville

Abstract

BackgroundIn Brazzaville, asthma is a real health public concern. Its prevalence ranges from 5.2 to 10.22% according to two surveys performed respectively in 1990 and in 2014. The aim of the present study was to evaluate asthma control in Brazzaville. Patients and methodsWe carried out an analytic descriptive, retrospective survey between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016 in patients hospitalized for asthma. The evaluation criteria were those of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) in 2014. ResultsWe identified 83 patients hospitalized for asthma, with a prevalence about 5.71% (83/1452). Of these, 78 were included in the survey. The study population was predominantly female, with 59 cases (75.64%). The average age was 38.39 years (±16.92; range: 17–82 years). Atopy was noted in 43 cases (55.12%), with 19 cases (24.36%) of rhinitis and 24 cases (30.77%) of asthma. The average age at the time of asthma diagnosis was 14.32 years (±8.33; range: 2–37 years). Asthma was controlled in 24 cases (30.77%), partially controlled in about 40 cases (51.28%) and uncontrolled in about 14 cases (17.95%). The chief impairments seen in partially controlled and uncontrolled patients were as follows: use of short-acting bronchodilators more than twice a week in 54 cases (69.23%), nocturnal symptoms in 45 cases (57.69%), limitation of physical activities in 39 cases (50%), and diurnal symptoms occurring more than twice a week in 34 cases (43.58%). The causes of non-control were poor treatment compliance in 47 cases (60.25%), irregular follow-up in 41 cases (52.56%), self-medication in 29 cases (37.17%), and associated allergic rhinitis in 17 cases (21.79%). The cause of poor compliance was inadequate financial means in 43 cases (55.12%), and insufficient education in 34 cases (43.58%). ConclusionOur survey reveals poor control of their disease in asthmatic patients in Brazzaville. Poor treatment compliance, inadequate financial means and inadequate education about treatment were the causes of poor asthma control in this city. Strategic plans must be put in place by healthcare staff and the health authorities to improve patient awareness and enhance management of the disease.