[Asthma control in adult Algerian patients. Comparison with other North African and Middle-East countries].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nLack of recent data on asthma control in Algeria led to this study whose results were compared with those of the same study conducted in the Middle East and North Africa (Middle East and North Africa\xa0-\xa0MENA).\n\n\nMETHOD\nThis cross-sectional epidemiological study was performed on adults suffering from asthma for at least one year without exacerbation within the last 4 weeks. Asthma control was assessed using 2012 Global initiative for asthma (GINA) criteria and Asthma control test (ACT) questionnaire.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThis study included 984 patients mainly managed by specialist physicians. We observed 61% females, mean age 45 years, BMI 27kg/m2, active smokers 2%. Medication was prescribed in 92% with 78% receiving inhaled corticosteroids alone or in combination with other treatment. Good adherence was observed in 27%. Asthma control was observed in 34,6% vs. 28,6% in other countries. Low level of education, absence of medical insurance, lack of physical exercise, and-long duration of the disease were significantly associated with uncontrolled asthma.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nPoor control of asthma is still observed in Algeria despite a high level of specialist involvement. Except for adherence, known predictive factors of poor asthma control have been observed. Quality improvement training of health care professionals and patient education are probably the main issues to be addressed.