Physicians' preference for controller medication in mild persistent asthma

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine
• Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology
• Allergy and Immunology

Background:

• Asthma guidelines recommend inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) for mild persistent asthma.
• Physician preferences for controller medications in mild persistent asthma are not well understood.
• This study investigates physician choices and the factors influencing them.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the preferred first-line controller medication for mild persistent asthma among Turkish physicians.
• To identify physician- and patient-related factors associated with the selection of ICS versus LTRAs.

Main Methods:

• A 16-question self-administered questionnaire was distributed to physicians.
• The survey targeted members of the Turkish National Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and congress attendees.
• Data from 336 complete questionnaires were analyzed using logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Low-dose ICS was the preferred first-choice controller medication for mild persistent asthma by 84.5% of physicians.
• Physician preference for ICS was associated with adherence to asthma guidelines and perceived efficacy.
• Preference for LTRAs was linked to being a pediatrician and perceived better patient compliance.

Conclusions:

• The majority of surveyed Turkish physicians prefer ICS over LTRAs for managing mild persistent asthma.
• Physician training background, adherence to guidelines, perceived efficacy, and patient compliance influence medication choice.
• These findings highlight key factors shaping therapeutic decisions in mild persistent asthma management.