Factors associated with childhood asthma control in a resource-poor center

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Optimal asthma control is a major aim of childhood asthma management. This study aimed to determine factors associated with suboptimal asthma control at the pediatric chest clinic of a resource-poor center. METHODS: Over a 12-month study period, children aged 2-14 years with physician-diagnosed asthma attending the pediatric chest clinic of the Wesley Guild Hospital (WGH), Ilesa, Nigeria were consecutively recruited. Asthma control was assessed using childhood asthma control questionnaire. Partly and uncontrolled asthma was recorded as a suboptimal control. Relevant history and examinations findings were compared between children with good and suboptimal asthma control. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of suboptimal asthma control. RESULTS: = 0.007) independently predict suboptimal control. CONCLUSION: Approximately, one in five asthmatic children attending the WGH pediatric chest clinic who participated in the study had suboptimal asthma control during the study. More comprehensive parental/child asthma education and provision of affordable asthma care services may help improve asthma control among the children.