Objectives: to determine modifiable risk factors of exacerbations in chronic respiratory diseases with airways obstruction (i.e., asthma and COPD) in southern Vietnam. Methods: an environmental and health-related behavioural questionnaire was submitted to patients with both chronic respiratory symptoms and airways obstruction. An exacerbation was defined as any acute worsening in clinical symptoms requiring a change in treatment, in a patient receiving prophylactic therapy. Results: 235 patients were evaluated, including 131 (56%) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 104 (44%) asthmatics. There were 75% males and 69% smokers. Occupational exposure accounted for 66%, mainly among construction and industry workers. Smoking was associated with more severe airways obstruction. Respiratory exacerbations were reported in 56/235 patients (24%). The risk of exacerbation was increased in patients with a lower education level, exposure to occupational pollutants, cumulative smoking ≥ 20 pack year, housing space < 10 m2, and poorly ventilated housing. Based on multivariate analysis, the risk of exacerbation remained significantly higher among patients with occupational exposure and low housing space per person. Conclusions: besides smoking cessation, more supportive policies, including improvement of occupational environment and housing design for better ventilation, are needed to prevent the severity of chronic respiratory diseases in Vietnam.

Objectives We assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health, treatment adherence and expectations of patients with chronic diseases in Vietnam. Methods We conducted a national cross-sectional study using a questionnaire survey, distributed through social networks and presented on Google Forms. The survey was performed during two months of the most stringent social distancing in Vietnam (between 21 July and 21 September 2021). Results Most of the participants said that the COVID-19 epidemic had affected their daily activities (91.9%), health (53.6%), sleep behavior (52.3%), and mental health (79.8%). During social distancing in Vietnam, three-quarter could not go to hospitals for periodic health examination; nearly half of respondents did not do daily physical activity; a quarter of respondents did not adhere to recommended diet plan. Factors associated with the effect of the COVID-19 epidemic on patient's health included those living in Ho Chi Minh City ( p = 0.015), lived alone ( p = 0.027), uncontrolled chronic conditions ( p < 0.001), treatment dissatisfaction or experienced anxiety/stress ( p < 0.001). Factors associated with medication adherence included the elderly ( p = 0.015), having periodic health examination ( p = 0.012), direct consultation ( p = 0.003), and telemedicine ( p = 0.007). Conclusion This study highlights the urgent need for better chronic management strategies for the new post-COVID era in the future.