Study on level of control of bronchial asthma in a peripheral paediatric unit in Sri Lanka

Objectives: To describe the level of control of asthma and the factors associated with poorly controlled asthma in children registered at the Paediatric Clinic at Base Hospital, Kanthale in the Trincomalee District of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka and to identify co-morbid factors associated with poorly controlled asthma..

Method: It was a prospective cross sectional study conducted in the Paediatric Clinic at Base Hospital Kanthale. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire from 88 physician diagnosed asthma patients. Asthma Therapy Assessment Questionnaire (ATAQ) was used to assess asthma control.

Results: Majority of patients (75%) had poorly controlled asthma. Statistically significant associations were noted between poorly controlled asthma and incorrect inhaler technique (p <0.001), poor compliance of steroid inhalers (p <0.001), allergic rhinitis (p <0.01), clinical evidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (p<0.01) and exposure to second-hand smoke at home (p<0.05).

Conclusions: In our study 75% had poorly controlled bronchial asthma. Poor control of bronchial asthma was significantly associated with incorrect inhaler technique, poor compliance to steroid inhaler, allergic rhinitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and exposure to cigarette smoke at home.

(Key words: Bronchial asthma; level of control; ATAQ questionnaire)

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2014; 43(4): 208-211

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljch.v43i4.7763