Factors Associated with Underutilization of Inhalation Corticosteroids among Asthmatic Patients Attending Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital
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Date
2015-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Inhalation Corticosteroids (ICS) is a cornerstone medicine for preventive therapy of persistence
asthma. However, underutilization of ICS is common and little is known about factors
contributing to this underutilization. The objective of this study was to assess factors associated
with underutilization of ICS in asthmatic patients. A cross-sectional study involving interview
was conducted among asthmatic patients attending chest clinic of Tikur Anbessa Specilized
Hospital (TASH) from 1 May to 31 July, 2014. A total of 131 patients were included in the study.
In addition, physicians working at the chest clinic of TASH were also requested to fill out a selfadministered
questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression was employed to examine the
association between variables. Overall, underutilization of ICS from patients’ perspective was
found to be 64.7%. Monthly income, comorbidity and manners of ICS use were found to be
significantly associated with underutilization of ICS. Patients’ reported reasons for
underutilization of ICS include; unaffordability, using only when symptoms appear,
inaccessibility, side effects and recommendation by physicians. Similarly, physicians reported
unaffordability, fear of side effects and dependency, and inaccessibility as reasons for
underutilization of ICS. In this setting, prevalence of underutilization of ICS was high, and is
associated with unaffordability and inaccessibility of ICS, patients’ poor knowledge of asthma
and ICS, negative attitude toward ICS, and absence of local guideline for asthma management.
Thus, concerned authorities need to take measures that ensure availability of ICS at an affordable
price and increase awareness of patients on ICS and asthma.
Key words: - Inhalation corticosteroids, Underutilization, Asthma
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Keywords
Inhalation corticosteroids, Underutilization, Asthma