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Prevalence and Characteristics of Self-Reported Adult Asthma in Cyprus: A Population-Based Observational Study.
- Source :
-
Journal of asthma and allergy [J Asthma Allergy] 2023 Feb 22; Vol. 16, pp. 215-226. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Feb 22 (Print Publication: 2023). - Publication Year :
- 2023
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Abstract
- Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of asthma in adults, by gender and age, in urban and rural areas of Cyprus.<br />Patients and Methods: This was a population-based, random-digit dialing, telephone nation-wide survey to recruit patients with asthma. Among 8996 random landline-telephone contacted from the five major urban and rural regions of Cyprus, 1914 were finally met the age criterion of ≥18 years old and 572 completed valid screening for prevalence estimation. The participants filled a short screening questionnaire in order for asthma cases to be recognized. Then, asthma cases filled the main ECRHS II questionnaire and were evaluated by a pulmonary physician. All underwent spirometry. Data on demographic characteristics, educational level, profession, smoking status, Body Mass Index (BMI), Total IgE and Eosinophil Cationic Protein levels were measured.<br />Results: The overall prevalence of bronchial asthma in adults in Cyprus was 5.57% (61.1% men and 38.9% women). Among the participants with self-reported bronchial asthma 36.1% were current smokers, while 12.3% were obese (BMI >30). A total value of IgE >115 IU and Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) >20 IU was found in 40% of the participants with established bronchial asthma. Wheezing and chest tightness were the most frequently reported symptoms in asthma patients (36.1% and 34.5%, respectively), while 36.5% experienced at least one exacerbation during the last year. Interestingly, most of the patients were under-treated (14.2% were on maintenance asthma treatment, and 18% used solely reliever medication).<br />Conclusion: This was the first study estimating asthma prevalence in Cyprus. Asthma affects almost 6% of the adult population, with higher prevalence in urban areas and in men compared to women. Interestingly, one-third of the patients were uncontrolled and under-treated. This study revealed that in Cyprus there is space for improvement in the management of asthma.<br />Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.<br /> (© 2023 Benidis et al.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1178-6965
- Volume :
- 16
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of asthma and allergy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 36874225
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.2147/JAA.S397784