Article Page

DOI: 10.31038/PEP.2022311

Abstract

Background: The magnitude of asthma in developing countries increased in 50% per decade for the last 40 years and approximately 250,000 deaths occur in each year. It was the common conditions that affected 5-10% of the population during the past 20 years.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the Prevalence and associated factors of bronchial asthma among adult patients in Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital, Jigjiga, Somali Region, Ethiopia 2020.

Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study design was conducted at Sultan Hassan yabare referral hospital during May-June 2020. Three hundred fifty two (352) patients who visited adult OPD over two months period were included in the study using simple random sampling. The data was checked for completeness, cleaned and then entered into Epi-data version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate & multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to see the associations between bronchial asthma and factors. Adjusted odd ratios were measured at 95% confidence level and P-Value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Result: Prevalence of bronchial asthma among adult patients was 9.4%. Being an urban resident (AOR: 3.425:95% CI 1.036-11.319), having family history of asthma (AOR: 5.796: 95% CI 2.31-, 14.540), and presence of vermin in the house (AOR: 2.999: 95% CI 1.106-8.129) were significantly associated with bronchial asthma. The authors concluded that the prevalence of bronchial asthma among adult patients was high. Therefore, educational program about the risk factors and preventive measures of asthma are highly recommended.

Keywords

Adult patient, Bronchial asthma, Shiekh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital, Jigjiga, Ethiopia

Introduction

Asthma is defined as a “chronic inflammatory disease of the airways” that can cause any or all of the following symptoms: -shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughing and wheezing [1]. The chronic inflammation is associated with airway hyper responsiveness that leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing, particularly at night or in the early morning. These episodes are usually associated with widespread, but variable airflow obstruction within the lung that is often reversible either spontaneously or with treatment [2].

Asthma imposes a large burden on the individual and on health care systems. Currently, asthma prevalence is approximately 10%-13%globaly. Unexplained temporal and geographic variations in asthma prevalence have been reported with asthma prevalence increasing over the past few decades [3].

In Africa, problems including those arising from the over-utilization of health services, lack of trained staff and diagnostic apparatus, and non-availability and unaffordability of inhaled medications have hindered efforts to improve the management of asthma. The lack of organized health promotion programs, such as effective control strategies for environmental triggers, air pollutants, and occupational dusts have also contributed to the growing burden [4].

WHO has reported that the levels of asthma control and health responses in the continent have been below recommended standards, and that have contributed to the size of the disease burden [4]. In addition, though many African countries have national guidelines for the management of asthma and other CRDs, these guidelines has not been implemented in most rural areas . Economic analyses in many African settings have shown that direct costs from asthma are usually greater than the indirect costs. It has been suggested that education of health care providers and the public is a vital element of the response to the challenge posed by asthma in Africa [4].

The prevalence of asthma in developing countries increased in 50% per decade for the last 40 years and approximately 250,000 deaths occur in each year. It was the common conditions that affect 5-10% of the population during the past 20 years [5].

Bronchial asthma is one of the most common public health problems in Ethiopia. Its prevalence increased over the last few decades with different contributing factor such as cigarette smoking [6], household economic status [7], occupational condition of the patients [7], residence of the patients [8], presence of vermin at household [7] and family history of asthma [9]. It is coming another burden for the country next to those communicable diseases [10]. In one study conducted, in south west Ethiopia, asthma accounted for 2% of outpatient and 5.4% of medical admission [10], and different risk factors are responsible for this problem like poor compliance for the drugs, lack of awareness about the disease, low socio economic status and hyper sensitivity [3].

There is significant physical and socio-economic burden with asthma related health cost. It results is an estimated 420,000 deaths every year [11]. In developing countries, where poverty and non-communicable respiratory disease have long been linked Bronchial asthma is often diagnosed after a long time because of the patients low medical seeking behavior. This may be an important factor for increasing morbidity and mortality as a result of asthma [12,13]. It represents a substantial economic and social burden throughout the world [14]. In developing countries, an additional problem is that health planners have limited resources hence it is one of the factors for emergency department visit [15,16].

The global initiative for asthma (GINA) estimates that the global prevalence of asthma ranges from 1 to 18% [17]. In study conducted in Portugal Prevalence of diagnosed asthma was 5.0% and the ‗Lifetime asthma ‘prevalence was 10.5%. The prevalence was similar in men and women and in all age [18], and another study done In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2001, the prevalence of asthma was 12% [19]. In Malaysia, it was estimated that there is 1.6 to 2 million asthmatics in 1996 and was leader cause for outpatient visit [20].

Factors that contribute to the bronchial asthma and associated factors among adult patients has not been studied earlier in Somali region. So, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of bronchial asthma among adult patients in Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital.

Methods and Materials

Study Area and Study Period

The study was conducted in Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital, which is the only referral hospital in the region found in Jigjiga town capital of Somali region. It is located 636 km eastern of Addis Ababa (the capital city of Ethiopia). According to 2007 Central Statistical Agency census report, the projected population of Jigjiga town in 2019 is 166,664 of whom 5267 (3.16%) and 16833 (10%) pregnant women and children aged 6-59 months respectively. The study was conducted from May to June 2020.

Study Design

Institution based cross sectional study design was employed.

Source and Study Population

Source Population

All adult patients who visited adult OPD and adult emergency department of Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital during the study period were source population.

Study population

Randomly selected adult patients who visited adult emergency department and adult OPD of Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital during the study period were study population.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion criteria

Adult patients who were visited adult OPD and adult emergency were included in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Patients that were unable to respond or serious illness were excluded from the study.

Sample Size Determination

The sample size was determined using single population formula Assumptions: 95% confidence interval, 5% margin of error and proportion prevalence of bronchial asthma (29.6%) from Debre Berhan ,Ethiopia [7].

for 1

Where: n= the minimum sample size required for the study

Z= standard normal distribution (Z=1.96) with 95% confidence interval

P= prevalence of bronchial asthma (0.296) .(7)

d=is a tolerable margin of error (d=5%=0.05)

for 2

Then by adding 10% (0.1) non-response rate, the total sample size (n) is n=320+ (320×0.1) =320+32=352. Final Sample size is to be 352.

Sampling Techniques and Procedures

Systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Yabere Referral Hospital was selected purposefully. First the average monthly adult patient visiting emergency department calculated which was 1052 adult patient visited Emergency. So eligible patients were recruited using systematic sampling technique. Every K interval calculated i.e. K= 1052 /352=3, so that every third patient was included until the required sample size was achieved. The first patient was taken using lottery method.

Data Collection Tools and Methods

The data was collected using structured questionnaires by interviewing the respondents. The questionnaires was initially prepared in English and then translated into Somali and then back translated into English to check for any inconsistencies or distortion in the meaning of words and concepts. Five Nurse Data collectors and two supervisors were recruited and training was provided on the tools, data collection procedures, the objectives, questionnaires and ways of conducting interview by the principal investigator for two days before the actual data collection time.

Study Variables

Dependent Variable

Bronchial asthma in Adult Patients.

Independent Variables

Socio-demographic factors

  • Age,
  • Sex,
  • Income,
  • occupational,
  • Family literacy status,
  • Residence,
  • cost,

Individual behavior and health‑ related condition

  • Smoking status
  • Co -morbid disease (COPD, Pneumonia, other chronic disease, recurrent URTI

Environmental and housing characteristics of the study participants

  • Vermin

Data Quality Control

Data quality was assured through training of data collectors, the questionnaire was evaluated by experts to assess its relevance, and their comments were taken in consideration then questionnaire had pretested on another facility before beginning the actual data collection process and continuous supervision at the time of data collection was conducted. Supervisors together with principal investigator discussed findings of pretest questionnaires checked and modified before the actual data collection. The collected questionnaire was checked in each day on the actual data collection time for completeness and consistency by supervisors and principal investigator. Code was given for completed questionnaire. Double data entry was done to make comparisons of two data clerks and resolve if there was being some difference,

Data Processing and Analyses

The data was coded and entered using Epi-data version 7.2.3.1 then exported, processing and analyzing were done using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics of different variables were done by cross tabulation. Binary logistic regression models using bivariate [crude odds ratio, [COR] and multivariable analysis [adjusted odds ratio, AOR] with 95% Confidence interval [CI] were used. From the bivariate analysis, variables that has with a significance level of p<0.25 was being retained for inclusion into the multivariable analysis in the final model. Variables with p<0.05 with being considered as statistically significant and independently associated with bronchial asthma.

Ethical Consideration

An ethical clearance was obtained from Ethics Review Committee of Jigjiga University School of Graduate studies. Written and verbal consent was obtained from each participant after explaining the purpose and nature of the research. Participation in the study was on a voluntary basis and participants were informed their right to quit their participation at any stage of the study if they did not want to continue. Moreover, confidentiality of the information was assured by using an anonymous questionnaire.

Results

Socio-Demographic Characteristics of the Study Participants

Three hundred fifty-two study participants primarily sampled for the study, 340 have participated in the study they made a response rate of 96.7%. The reason for non-response was not willing to participate in the study. The mean age of the study participants was 28.08 with SD of +6.139. The age range of the study participants were 15 and 47 years respectively. One hundred seventy-one (50.3%) males and 169 (49.7%) females were participated in the study. Major ethnic group of this study participant 313 (92.1%) were Somali. About 296 (87.1%) were living in urban and 258(75.9%) were married by their marital status. Most of the study participants 277 (81.7%) were categorized under middle income (Table 1).

Table 1: Distribution of Socio-Demographic Characteristics of the Study Participants in Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital, Jigjiga, Somali region, Ethiopia 2020 G.C.

Variable

Category Frequency

 (No)

Percentages

 (%)

Age of the patient 15-24

77

22.7

25-34

83

24.6

35-44

78

23.1

45-54

55

16.1

>=55

46

13.6

Marital status 1. Single

72

21.2

2. Married

258

75.9

3. Divorced

6

1.8

4. Widowed

4

1.2

Sex 1. Male

171

50.3

2. Female

169

49.7

Residence 1. Urban

296

87.1

2. Rural

44

12.9

Ethnicity

 

1. Somali

313

92.1

2. Amhara

17

5.0

3. Gurage

4

1.2

4. Others

6

1.8

Occupational status 1. Government employee

30

8.8

2. Farmer

57

16.8

3. Daily laborer

61

17.9

4. Marchant

20

5.9

5. Others

172

50.6

Family income 1. High

55

16.2

2. Middle

277

81.5

3. Low

8

2.4

Presenting Symptoms

Most of the study participants the commonest presenting asthma symptom was cough reported by 24.4 % of the patients. The second common symptoms were also rhinitis and sinusitis reported by 18.5% and 17.4% of the patients respectively while the least presenting symptoms were atopic dermatitis 13.5% reported by the patients (Table 2).

Table 2: Distribution of presenting symptoms of the Study Participants in Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital, Jigjiga, Somali region, Ethiopia 2020 G.C.

Variable

Category Frequency (No)

Percentages (%)

Wheezing 1. Yes

55

16.2

2. No

285

83.8

Cough 1. Yes

83

24.4

2. No

257

75.6

Dyspnea (shortness of breath) 1. Yes

37

10.9

2. No

303

89.1

Rhinitis

1. Yes

63

18.5

2. No

277

81.5

Sinusitis 1. Yes

59

17.4

2. No

281

82.6

Atopic dermatitis 1. Yes

46

13.5

2. No

294

86.5

Cyanosis 1. Yes

55

16.2

2. No

285

83.8

Health Related Characteristics

Among the participants, 37.7% had family history of asthma. Fifty-six (21.8%) of the study participants had an experience of pneumonia in the last 12 months (Table 3).

Table 3: Distribution of health related characteristics of the Study Participants in Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital, Jigjiga, Somali region, Ethiopia 2020 G.C.

Variable

Category Frequency

 (No)

Percentages

 (%)

Does a patient diagnosis for asthma For now or before? 1. Yes

32

9.4

2. No

308

90.6

Family history of asthma?

 

1. Yes

178

52.4

2. No

162

47.6

3. don’t know
Do you think that is there anything that triggers your asthma?

 

1. Yes

32

9.4

2. No

308

90.6

3. don’t know
If yes to Q.no 303, what are your trigger factors that exacerbate your asthma?

 

1. Dust

4

1.2

2. Smoke

12

3.5

3. Cold weather

14

4.1

4. Strong smell

2

0.6

5. Other (s)

4

1.2

Have you ever faced any asthma exacerbation symptoms in the last 12 month 1. Yes

32

9.4

2. No

308

90.6

3. don’t know    
Bronchodilators drug utilization

1. Yes

155

45.6

2. No

185

54.4

Experienced of drug discontinuation 1. Yes

15

4.4

2. No

325

95.6

History of Chronic diseases like CHD 1. Yes

37

10.9

2. No

303

89.1

Presence of pneumonia in the last 12 months 1. Yes

37

10.9

2. No

303

89.1

Individual Behavior

Fifty-four (15.9%) of the study participants were ever smoke cigarette while 38(11.2%) were currently smokers. Among the participants, 24(7.4%) had habit of frequent utilization of perfume and 55(16.2%) had no habit of exercise (Table 4).

Table 4: Distribution of individual behavior of the Study Participants in Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital, Jigjiga, Somali region, Ethiopia 2020 G.C.

Variable

Category Frequency

 (No)

Percentages

 (%)

Do you ever smoke cigarette?

 

1. Yes

54

15.9

2. No

286

84.1

Are you currently a smoker?

 

1. Yes

38

11.2

2. No

302

88.8

Do you think that is there anything that limits your daily activities?

 

1. Yes

55

16.2

2. No

285

83.8

Is your habit of frequent usage of perfume 1. Yes

25

7.4

2. No

315

92.6

Environmental Factors

More than half of the study participants 188(55.3%) their house have vermin/dust. Three hundred-ten (91.2%) households used charcoal as source of energy, followed by electricity 6.2%, kerosene 1.5% and wood only 1.2%. Almost all of the study participants 340(100%) reported that did not use biomass fuel (Table 5).

Table 5: Distribution of environmental factors of the Study Participants in Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital, Jigjiga, Somali region, Ethiopia 2020 G.C.

Variable

Category Frequency

 (No)

Percentages

 (%)

Is there presence of vermin/dust in the home?

 

1. Yes

188

55.3

2. No

152

44.7

How many rooms are there in your house (Including the sitting room)? 1.>4 rooms

262

77.1

2.<4 rooms

78

22.9

Number of windows in the house 1. Yes

119

35.0

2. No

221

65.0

With what type of fuel source do you cook at home?  1. Charcoal

310

91.2

2. Wood

4

1.2

3. Electricity

21

6.2

4. Kerosene

5

1.5

Did you use biomass fuel for work or home? 1. Yes

0.00

0.00%

2. No

340

100%

Prevalence of Bronchial Asthma

In this study the overall prevalence of bronchial asthma among adult patients in Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital Somali region was found 9.4%with (95%CI: 6.5, 12.9) (Figure 1).

fig 1

Figure 1: Prevalence of bronchial asthma in Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital, Jigjiga, Somali region, Ethiopia 2020.

Factors Associated with Bronchial Asthma

Bi-variable Analyses on Factors Associated with Bronchial asthma

In the variables included in Bivariate analyses were: Residence, Wheezing, Cough, Dyspnea (shortness of breath), Rhinitis, Sinusitis, atopic dermatitis, Family history of asthma and Presence of vermin/dust in the home.

This study revealed that urban residents were 3.726 times [COR=3.726; 95%CI: (1.274, 10.903)] more likely to develop bronchial asthma than rural residents.

This study indicated that patients who come from the family history of asthma were 6.625 times [COR=6.625; 95%CI: (2.872, 15.280)] more likely to develop bronchial asthma than from non-asthmatic family.

In this study, presence of vermin at household level were 2.694 times [COR=2.694; 95%CI: (1.072, 6.768)] increased the probability of developing asthma among adult patients (Table 6).

Table 6: Bi-variable Analyses for Factors affecting Bronchial asthma among Adult Patients in Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital, Jigjiga, Somali region, Ethiopia 2020.

Variable

Category Bronchial asthma COR (95%CI) P-value
Yes

No (%)

No

No (%)

Residence 1. Urban

28 (12.2)

201 (87.8) 3.726 (1.274, 10.903) 0.016

2. Rural

4 (3.6) 107 (96.4)

1.00

Wheezing 1. Yes

8 (14.0)

49 (86.0) 1.762 (0.748, 4.149) 0.195

2. No

24 (8.5) 259 (91.5)

1.00

Cough 1. Yes

11 (13.3)

72 (86.7) 1.717 (0.790, 3.730) 0.172

2. No

21 (8.2) 236 (91.8)

1.00

Dyspnea (shortness of breath) 1. Yes

6 (5.2)

31 (83.8) 2.062 (0.788, 5.397) 0.140

2. No

26 (8.6) 277 (91.4)

1

Rhinitis 1. Yes

12 (19.0)

51 (81.0) 3.024 (1.391, 6.571) 0.005

2. No

20 (7.2) 257 (92.8)

1

Sinusitis 1. Yes

14 (24.7)

45 (76.3) 4.546 (2.112, 9.785) 0.000

2. No

18 (5.4) 263 (93.6)

1

Atopic dermatitis 1. Yes

7 (15.2)

39 (84.8) 1.931 (0.783, 4.764) 0.153

2. No

25 (8.5) 269 (91.5)

1.

Family history of asthma 1. Yes

24 (20.0)

96 (80.0) 6.625 (2.872, 15.280) 0.000

2. No

8 (3.6) 212 (96.4)

1.00

Is your habit of frequent usage of perfume 1. Yes

7 (19.4)

29 (80.6) 3.756 (1.503, 9.381) 0.035

2. No

25 (7.2) 279 (91.8)

1.00

Presence of vermin/dust in the home 1. Yes

26 (13.6)

165 (86.4) 2.694 (1.072, 6.768) 0.005

2. No

6 (4.0) 143 (96.0)

1.00

Multivariable Analyses on Factors Associated with Bronchial asthma

Those variable which had association during bivariate analysis and other candidate variables with P<0.25 in the bivariate analysis were included in the final model of multivariate analysis in order to control all possible confounders. In multivariable analyses, in multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that sinusitis, residence, family history and vermin/dust were risk factors significantly associated with bronchial asthma.

This study revealed that urban residents were 3.425 times [AOR=3.425; 95%CI: (1.036, 11.319)] more likely to develop bronchial asthma than rural residents.

This study indicated that patients who come from the family history of asthma were 5.796 times [AOR=5.796; 95%CI: (2.311, 14.540)] more likely to develop bronchial asthma than from non-asthmatic family.

In this study, present of vermin at household level were 2.999 times [COR=2.999; 95%CI: (1.106, 8.129)] increased the probability of developing asthma among adult patients.

This study indicated that patients who have sinusitis were 2.971 times [AOR=2.971; 95%CI: (1.193, 7.397)] more likely to develop bronchial asthma than from non-sinusitis (Table 7).

Table 7: Multivariable Logistic Regression Analyses for Factors Bronchial asthma among Adult patients in Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital, Jigjiga, Somali region, Ethiopia 2020 G.C.

Variable

Category Dx of Bronchial asthma COR (95%CI) AOR (95%CI)
Yes

No (%)

NO

No (%)

Residence 1. Urban

28 (12.2)

201 (87.8) 3.726 (1.274, 10.903) 3.425 (1.036, 11.319)

2. Rural

4 (3.6) 107 (96.4) 1.00

1.00

Wheezing 1. Yes

8 (14.0)

49 (86.0) 1.762 (0.748, 4.149) 2.240 (0.822, 6.104)

2. No

24 (8.5) 259 (91.5) 1.00

1.00

Cough 1. Yes

11 (13.3)

72 (86.7) 1.717 (0.790, 3.730) 1.597 (0.597, 4.273)

2. No

21 (8.2) 236 (91.8) 1.00

1.00

Dyspnea (shortness of breath) 1. Yes

6 (5.2)

31 (83.8) 2.062 (0.788, 5.397) 1.924 (0.578, 6.400)

2. No

26 (8.6) 277 (91.4) 1

1.00

Rhinitis 1. Yes

12 (19.0)

51 (81.0) 3.024 (1.391, 6.571) 1.847 (0.690, 4.949)

2. No

20 (7.2) 257 (92.8) 1

1.00

Sinusitis 1. Yes

14 (24.7)

45 (76.3) 4.546 (2.112, 9.785) 2.971 (1.193, 7.397)

2. No

18 (5.4) 263 (93.6) 1

1.00

Atopic dermatitis 1. Yes

7 (15.2)

39 (84.8) 1.931 (0.783, 4.764) 1.387 (0.481, 4.002)

2. No

25 (8.5) 269 (91.5) 1

1.00

Family history of asthma 1. Yes

24 (20.0)

96 (80.0) 6.625 (2.872, 15.280) 5.796 (2.311, 14.540)

2. No

8 (3.6) 212 (96.4) 1.00

1.00

Is your habit of frequent usage of perfume 1. Yes

7 (19.4)

29 (80.6) 3.756 (1.503, 9.381) 2.180 (0.724, 6.570)

2. No

25 (7.2) 279 (91.8) 1.00

1.00

Presence of vermin/dust in the home 1. Yes

26 (13.6)

165 (86.4) 2.694 (1.072, 6.768) 2.999 (1.106, 8.129)

2. No

6 (4.0) 143 (96.0) 1.00

1.00

Discussion

In this study the prevalence of Bronchial asthma was 9.4% (95%CI: 6.5, 12.9). This finding is comparable with study conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2001; the prevalence of asthma was 12 % [19]. This also in line with study done in Africa estimated that a prevalence of 11.7% for asthma, totaling over 74 million people in 1990, and 2010 prevalence was 12.8%, about 120 million people (4). This also in line with study done In Africa the prevalence of asthma was estimated 9.6% in Swaziland, 7.8 in Comoros, 7.54% in Mauritania and in range of 0-10% in Ethiopia [21]. This may be due to similarity of study design and sample size.

This finding is higher than study done in Portugal on Prevalence of asthma which states that the prevalence of diagnosed asthma was 5.0%. This finding is higher than another study done in Addis Ababa which was the prevalence of asthma and factors that lead patients to visit adult emergency room of Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Ethiopia was revealed that the prevalence of bronchial asthma was 1.5% [14].

This finding is lower than study done in Malaysia, 73% out-patient clinic attendants are treated for respiratory symptoms and asthma is one and major cases. It is estimated that there is 1.6 to 2 million asthmatics in Malaysia [20]. This finding is lower than another study done in Addis Ababa which was the prevalence of asthma and factors that lead patients to visit adult emergency room of Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Ethiopia was revealed that the prevalence of bronchial asthma was 1.5% [14]. This finding is also lower than another studies mentioned that (cumulative prevalence of asthma) was highest in South Africa (53%, 5-12 years) in 1997,followed by Egypt (26.5%, 11-15 years) in 2005, Nigeria (18.4%, 15-35 years) in 1995, and Ethiopia(16.3%, >20 years) in 1997.

This study revealed that urban residents were 3.425times [AOR=3.425; 95%CI: (1.036, 11.319)] more likely to develop bronchial asthma than rural residents. It was consistent with the report in Brazil and Ethiopia [15,16]. This might be explained outdoor air of urban area is highly polluted due to high levels of traffic and industry related emissions that could increase the risk of asthma. In contrast, study done in India [17] showed that being a rural resident was significantly higher the odds of having asthma. Research conducted in Ethiopia [18] revealed that no association between asthma and residence of the patients. These variations might be due to the difference in the characteristics of the study population, geographical distribution and case definitions used to ascertain asthma.

Patients having sinusitis were 4.546 times [AOR=2.971; 95%CI: (1.193, 7.397)] more like to encounter bronchial asthma compared to those who have not yet faced this co-morbid. This might be due to the fact that large number of the study subjects live in urban area and in this place there are many chemicals, gases and the like that will worsen the sinusitis status then end up with acute attack. Both seasonal and viral chronic sinusitis are among the most common triggers of acute severe exacerbations and may invade epithelial cells of the lower as well as the upper airways and there is an increase in airway inflammation with increased numbers of eosinophil and neutrophils along with nasal congestion as well as airway tract edema in addition to increment in airway hyper-responsiveness [19,20].

This study indicated that patients who come from the family history of asthma were 5.796 times [AOR=5.796; 95%CI: (2.311, 14.540)] more likely to develop bronchial asthma than from non-asthmatic family. Similar findings have been reported by other studies in developed and developing countries that showed a significant association between family history of asthma and asthma occurrence among adult patients [20,21]. This association could be either due to genetic factors or a shared environment by the family members.

In this study, present of vermin at household level were 2.999 times [AOR=2.999; 95%CI: (1.106, 8.129)] increased the probability of developing bronchial asthma among adult patients. The world health organization report in 2008 report also showed that evidence for a relationship between asthma and domestic exposure to cockroaches, mice and dust mites is strong. This could be explained by house which have vermin’s concerns with the use of insecticides prays at home, with more frequent use being associated with bronchial asthma. Similar results can be found in the literature regarding the link between the use of home aerosolized cleaning products and asthma.

Conclusion

This finding the prevalence of Bronchial asthma was 9.4% (95%CI: 6.5, 12.9). However, Bronchial asthma was significantly associated Type of Residence, Wheezing, Cough, and Rhinitis, Family history of asthma and Presence of vermin/dust in the home was identified as the most important risk factor for Bronchial asthma.

Recommendation

Based on the findings of the study the following recommendations could be mentioned

For Health Professionals

  • Health care providers should work on improving patients’ awareness on their medications adherence, avoidance of asthma triggering factors for decreasing the progression of the disease and better asthma controls.

For the Hospital

  • Staffs should teach about asthma triggering factors.

References

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Article Type

Research Article

Publication history

Received: July 28, 2022
Accepted: August 03, 2022
Published: August 18, 2022

Citation

Hassan I, Warsame MS, Abdi OM (2022) Prevalence and Associated Factors of Bronchial Asthma among Adult Patients in Jigjiga University Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital, Jigjiga, Somali region, Ethiopia 2020. Prev Med Epid Public Heal Volume 3(1): 1–8. DOI: 10.31038/PEP.2022311

Corresponding author

Omar Mohamed Abdi
Jigjiga University
Independent Research and Humanitarian Activities Consultant
Ethiopia