AIM

Inhaled corticosteroids have resulted in the improved control of asthma and a reduced need for hospitalisation. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma and factors that affect asthma control.

METHODS

The data came from a longitudinal cohort study of children. The parents answered questionnaires from age 6 months to 12 years. The response rate at age 12 years was 76% (3637/4777) and doctor-diagnosed asthma was reported in 6.4% (n = 233). Asthma control was examined with the Asthma Control Test (ACT), where scores below 20 denote uncontrolled asthma.

RESULTS

Of the children with asthma at age 12 years, 15% had an ACT value below 20, that is uncontrolled asthma. Independent risk factors for uncontrolled asthma were wheeze triggered by exercise (adjusted OR, aOR 5.6; 1.9-16.6), cat at home (aOR 3.5; 1.2-10.0) and current doctor-diagnosed rhinitis (aOR 2.8; 95% CI 1.1-7.0). A higher education in the parents reduced the risk of uncontrolled asthma (aOR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.8). Only six children (i.e. 2.6%) reported hospitalisation due to asthma during the last year.

CONCLUSION

Of the children with asthma, 15% had uncontrolled asthma. Higher education in the parents was associated with better asthma control in the children.