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a Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos,
b Department of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital,
c Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital,
d Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakiliki,
e Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin,
f Department of Community Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital,
g Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ilorin,
h Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Benin,
i Department of Community Medicine and Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Lagos,
j Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Aminu Kano University,
ABSTRACT
Background: The state of asthma management and asthma control at the population level in Nigeria is unknown. We aimed to determine the level of asthma control and asthma management practices in Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study of 405 participants with current asthma (physician-diagnosed with use of asthma medication or asthma symptoms in the preceding 12 months). We determined the level of asthma control, self-perception of asthma control, health-care use, missed work/school, and medication use.
Results: Asthma was controlled in 6.2% of the participants. Night-time awakening and limitation in activity in the preceding 4 weeks were reported by 77.5% and 78.3%, respectively, 56.3% and 14.1% missed work/school and had emergency room visits, respectively, and 11.6% and 38.8% used inhaled corticosteroid and short-acting beta-2 agonist, respectively, in the preceding year. About a third (34.3%) had spirometry ever performed and 46.7% had training on inhaler technique. Nearly 90% with uncontrolled asthma had self-perception of asthma control between somewhat and completely controlled.
Conclusion: The level of asthma control in Nigeria is poor with a high burden of asthma symptoms and limitation in activities. This calls for a broad-based approach for the improvement in asthma care that encompasses education and access to medications.