Asthma insights and reality in the Gulf and the near East.

BACKGROUND

Data on the burden of asthma and the quality of asthma control in the Gulf and Near East (GNE) are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To determine how closely asthma management guidelines are being followed in the GNE.

METHODS

The Asthma Insights and Reality in the GNE (AIRGNE) survey is based on information from 1000 patients with asthma in five countries: Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

RESULTS

Daytime asthma symptoms were reported by 68% of respondents, and 51% reported being woken up by asthma in the preceding 4 weeks. Use of health services in the last 12 months was high, with 23% having been hospitalised and 52% having attended the emergency department. Absence from school and work in the past year was reported by 52% of children and 30% of adults. The highest school absence was observed in Jordan and Lebanon (both 69%), and Jordan had the highest rate of absence from work among adults (46%). The use of peak expiratory flow was very low, and only 17% owned a meter. Overall, 66% of participants had never undergone a lung function test.

CONCLUSION

Current levels of asthma control in the GNE fall far short of the goals specified in guidelines for asthma management.