Abstract
Background: Written asthma action plans (WAAP) are important in asthma self-management, but uptake is limited. This study examined factors associated with WAAP ownership in a large Australian survey.
Methods: People ≥16 years with current asthma (diagnosis, and symptoms/treatment in last year) completed an online survey, including Asthma Control Test (ACT) and WAAP ownership. Data were weighted to Australian asthma population by age, gender and state.
Results: WAAP data were available for 2610 participants, 57% female. WAAP ownership was higher for females and age 16-29, but did not vary by socioeconomic status.
* Agreement on Likert scale 1-7; p<0.001 vs like rows; ♣ p<0.001 across columns
Conclusions: Overall rates of WAAP ownership in Australia are sub-optimal, although somewhat higher in at-risk patients. People with a WAAP are more likely to follow it if they are older, have higher health literacy, or feel that the action plan is practical, easy to understand, or personalised to themselves.
- © 2013 ERS