RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Quality of life and asthma control: A UK population survey
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P4090
VO 44
IS Suppl 58
A1 Emily Humphreys
A1 Jane Upton
A1 Samantha Walker
A1 David Price
YR 2014
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P4090.abstract
AB Introduction: Asthma is a long term condition resulting in 65,000 emergency hospital admissions/year in the UK. Interventions to improve asthma outcomes are required but up-to-date outcomes data is lacking.Aims and objectives: To describe asthma specific quality of life, asthma control and exacerbation rates in the UK.Methods: Adults (18-75y) in England, Scotland and Wales with a diagnosis of asthma and a current prescription for asthma medication were invited to participate in this cross-sectional telephone survey. Measures included the Marks Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ-M), 0-60; high scores=poorer control; Asthma Control Test (ACT), well controlled asthma ≥20; and the Royal College of Physicians 3 Questions (RCP3Q), well controlled asthma =0; and exacerbation rates.Results: Of the 658 participants (response rate 49%), 427 (65%) were female. Median (IQR) age was 50 (41-63y). Median AQLQ-M score was 9.1 (IQR 2-12). 17% reported ≥1 asthma exacerbation over the last year. Asthma control was poor for 38% (ACT) - 52% (RCP3Q) participants. Of those prescribed inhaled bronchodilators alone, 33% (ACT) - 45% (RCP3Q) did not have well controlled asthma. In the past week 50% of all participants reported having asthma symptoms, 16% said asthma had interfered with their daily activities and 15% had difficulty sleeping due to asthma. 27% felt dependent on asthma medication, 26% reported a general lack of energy, 19% were restricted in doing exercise and 18% had been troubled by episodes of shortness of breath.Conclusions: Asthma outcomes remain sub-optimal in this UK population. Interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality should focus on preventing asthma attacks and improving asthma control.