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Asthma management by general practitioners in Pakistan
S F Hussain1, S Zahid, J A Khan
1Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Pulmonary Section, Karachi, Pakistan. sfh_pulmonary@yahoo.co.uk
Summary
General practitioners in Pakistan frequently deviate from established asthma management guidelines. This study highlights significant knowledge gaps in asthma medications and common misconceptions regarding inhaler use and diet.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Clinical Practice Research
Background:
- Asthma management guidelines aim to standardize patient care.
- Evaluating adherence to these guidelines is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prescribing habits of physicians in Karachi, Pakistan.
- To determine if these habits align with current asthma management guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was administered to physicians attending a continuing medical education (CME) program.
- Participants responded to asthma case scenarios by writing prescriptions.
- Physicians' views on inhaler therapy and dietary restrictions were also surveyed.
Main Results:
- Out of 120 physicians, 100 responded to the survey.
- A wide range of short-acting beta2-agonist (30) and steroid (16) regimens were prescribed.
- Only 35% prescribed corticosteroids for persistent asthma.
- Awareness of advanced treatments like long-acting beta2-agonists (8%) and theophyllines (13%) was low.
- Significant misconceptions about inhaler therapy (affecting 20 physicians) and diet (affecting 50 physicians) were identified.
Conclusions:
- General practitioners in Pakistan demonstrated poor adherence to asthma management guidelines.
- There is a notable deficit in knowledge regarding appropriate asthma medications.
- Misconceptions concerning inhaler therapy and dietary management are prevalent.