Uncontrolled asthma: Frequency and associated factors [cite: 115]

The real challenge with asthma consists essentially in the control of this one. [cite: 121] The objectives of our work were to describe the level of asthma control in a Tunisian population and to search the factors associated with uncontrolled asthma. [cite: 122] Methods: This was a descriptive observational cross-sectional study that was conducted in a pneumology department over 2 months. [cite: 123] Were included patients seen at the allergology consultation aged 15 years or over with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma and under anti-asthmatic treatment for at least 6 months. [cite: 124] Uncontrolled asthma was defined by an asthma control test score under 20. [cite: 125] Results: One hundred and thirteen patients were included. The mean age of the population was 45 ± 15 years. [cite: 126] Thirteen percent of the patients were active smokers. The main comorbidities associated with asthma were obesity (34.5%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (17%). [cite: 127] Thirty-seven patients (32.8%) were compliant with treatment. Asthma was classified as well controlled in 64 patients (56.6%). [cite: 128] Factors associated with poor asthma control according to the univariate study were: active smoking (p= 0.04); [cite: 129] exposure to passive smoking (p= 0.02); poor socio-economic conditions (p=0.003); [cite: 130] certain comorbidities such as GERD, obesity, younger age of onset of the disease (p= 0.008) as well as with therapeutic compliance (p= 0,008) and the technique of inhalation (p= 0,002). [cite: 131] Conclusion: Adequate management of asthma must necessarily be multidisciplinary considering comorbidities and tobacco control. [cite: 132].