How well do questionnaires perform compared with physical examination in detecting flexural eczema? Findings from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase Two

Date
2009-06-01
Authors
Flohr C
Weinmayr G
Weiland (deceased) S
Addo-Yobo E
Annesi-Maesano I
Björkstén B
Bråbäck L
Büchele G
Chico M
Cooper P
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Pulm Pharmacol Ther .
Abstract
Setting: Emergency Room of Alia Governmental hospital in Hebron district, south of West Bank, Palestine. Objective: To determine the factors associated with chronic asthma severity among asthma patients attending the emergency rooms in Palestine. Design: A cross-sectional study using previously validated questionnaires. Results: Among the 121 patients, 45.5% had moderate/severe asthma. Most days' regular intake of oral theophylline, and using >or=5 courses/year of oral steroids were more likely to be associated with moderate/severe asthmatics (p<0.05). Moderate/severe asthmatics compared with mild asthmatics were more likely to use inhaled short B(2)-agonists more frequently (most days, 50% vs. 17%; p<0.05) and in higher concentrations (>or=1 cannister/month, 78% vs. 29%; p<0.05). They were also more likely to get regular treatment (p<0.05) and to report their inability to afford/obtain asthma medicines (p>0.05). Conclusions: Access to health services doesn't necessarily ensure a good quality of care for asthmatics. The effectiveness of oral theophyline in controlling the more severe asthma symptoms should be reconsidered. We recommend a training program for health professionals and an educational one on self-management for the asthma patients.
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Citation
Al Zabadi H, El Sharif N. Risk factors for asthma severity among emergency rooms attendees, Palestine. Pulm Pharmacol Ther. 2009 Jun;22(3):208-13. doi: 10.1016/j.pupt.2008.12.016. Epub 2008 Dec 31. PMID: 19138752.