RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Seasonality of primary care utilization for asthma, COPD and pneumonia in Karachi (Pakistan)
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P3955
VO 40
IS Suppl 56
A1 Zeeshan Raza
A1 Aiman Ghani
A1 Aisha Ahmad
A1 Fatima Ahmad
A1 Nadeem Rizvi
YR 2012
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P3955.abstract
AB BACKGROUND: The increase in the health care burden from respiratory diseases is noticeable in the developing countries and its seasonal variation has epidemiological significance. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the seasonality of primary care utilization for acute exacerbations of respiratory diseases with respect to the age and gender of the patients and to examine the mortality rates of the patients hospitalized.METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to assess the seasonal patterns in hospital admissions due to acute exacerbations of respiratory diseases (asthma; COPD and pneumonia) in Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Liaquat National Hospital, and Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi for a two year period from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010. Data were collected from Hospital Records Department through patients discharge files of those who had a primary physician diagnosis for asthma; COPD or pneumonia. Climatic data for average rainfall and humidity were obtained from Pakistan Meteorological Department and was analyzed with respect to the seasonal distribution of the diseases.RESULTS: There were total 3,205 patients analyzed, from them 53.77% had asthma, 26.35% had COPD and 19.87% had pneumonia. Highest number of hospital admissions for COPD, pneumonia and asthma were observed from Mid of Dec to Feb (Winter), with a peak occurring in the month of March (early Spring),whereas significantly less cases occurred in May(Summer) and November (Autumn).CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated a clear seasonal pattern indicating the highest number of patients admitted in the month of winter and a peak occurring in the spring season for asthma, COPD and pneumonia.