Asthma prevalence, morbidity and management practices in South Australia, 1992-1995

The Spring South Australian Health Omnibus Survey (SSAHOS) has been used to monitor trends in asthma prevalence, asthma morbidity and asthma management practices between 1992 and 1995.

To determine if self-reported asthma prevalence and availability of asthma action plans were increasing. To identify deficiencies in asthma management and opportunities for intervention.

Representative population survey by trained interviewers using a multistage, systematic, clustered area sample of 4200 households in South Australia where people aged 15 years or more are living.

Over 3000 interviews were conducted each year. Between 1992 and 1995 the self-reported prevalence of asthma in those aged 15 years or more increased significantly from 15.7% to 20.3% (p < 0.0005), and the prevalence of current asthma increased from 9.3% to 11.4% (p < 0.05). The self-reported availability of individual asthma action plans increased from 21.9% in 1992 to 42.2% in 1995 (p < 0.0005). In 1992, 21% had a nebuliser at home, and 10.5% had a peak flow meter. In 1993, 61.4% were using preventive medications, and 35% thought bronchodilators were 'preventer' medications. In 1994 and 1995, between 12.5% and 15.6% had nocturnal awakening weekly or more often, and 31.4% had morning asthma symptoms weekly or more often. Between 20.1% and 20.8% had lost days from usual activities during the last year. Those on incomes below $20,000 had more symptoms, had more admissions to hospital, and required more medication than those on higher incomes.

Self-reported asthma prevalence has increased. There remains a gap between current asthma management and that recommended by the National Asthma Campaign.