Living with Asthma in Low- and Middle-Income Countries in the Six WHO Regions

Mortimer, Kevin; Kurtulus, Serif; Yorgancıoğlu, Arzu; Romero-Tapia, Sergio de Jesús; Singh, Nishtha; Ahmed, Rana; Boladuadua, Sainimere; Masekela, Refiloe

doi:10.1056/evidpp2300292

Cited by 4 publications

References 13 publications

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Update in Asthma Management in Low‐Middle Income Countries

Lachner,

Soto‐Martínez

2024

Pediatric Pulmonology

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Asthma represents a significant global health burden, particularly in low and middle income countries (LMICs), where its impact is disproportionately severe. In these regions, asthma management is characterized by poorer control and greater mortality rates compared to wealthier nations. The prevalence of asthma is on the rise and demographic trends indicate that there would be a greater burden on children given that they represent a larger proportion of the population pyramid in LMICs. Challenges in addressing asthma in LMICs are various, amongst them: health care systems in these countries predominantly focus on acute and infectious diseases, leading to inadequate attention to chronic illnesses. Access to essential controller medications (inhaled corticosteroids) is often limited and availability tends to fluctuate. Infraestructural deficiencies and difficult health care access are also identified barriers. Furthermore, many LMICs struggle to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines that are set for a minimum standard of care for asthma treatment. Suggested approaches should be aimed at: foment commitment from local health care providers and governmental involvement on policies to meet minimum standards of care (emphasis on continuous access to controller medications) Equally significant is the implementation of policies designed to augment educational strategies (health care professionals and general population), reduce smoking rates and air pollution.

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Update in Asthma Management in Low‐Middle Income Countries

Lachner,

Soto‐Martínez

2024

Pediatric Pulmonology

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Beliefs surrounding the use of inhaled asthma medication in The Gambia: a qualitative study of asthma patients and healthcare workers

Jayasooriya,

Inoue,

Allen

et al. 2024

npj Prim. Care Respir. Med.

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Asthma-related mortality is high in low- and middle-income countries. Little is known about public perceptions of inhaled medicines. We conducted semi-structured interviews with asthma patients and healthcare workers at three secondary care facilities in The Gambia, between August and November 2022. Thematic analysis was used to interpret these data. A total of 20 patients and 15 healthcare workers were interviewed. Both groups noted limited access to inhalers was an issue resulting in continued use of oral medications. Some patients recognised the benefits of inhalers, yet beliefs that inhalers were dangerous were common. Reliance on oral short-acting beta agonists meant patients saw asthma as a recurrent acute condition resulting in an emphasis on hospital management with little awareness of inhaled preventative medicines. Increasing access to inhaled medicines has the potential to reduce costly avoidable admissions, but socio-cultural factors, in addition to medication supply, need addressing.

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Tensions surrounding the use of inhaled asthma medication in The Gambia: a qualitative study of asthma patients and health care workers

Jayasooriya,

Inoue,

Allen

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Introduction: Asthma-related mortality is high in low- and middle-income countries. Little is known about public perceptions of inhaled medicines. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with asthma patients and health care workers at three public health facilities in The Gambia, between August and November 2022. Thematic analysis was used to interpret these data. Results: A total of 20 patients and 15 health care workers were interviewed. Both groups felt limited access to inhalers was a significant issue resulting in continued use of oral medications. While some patients recognised the benefits of inhaler use, beliefs that inhalers were dangerous were common. Reliance on oral short-acting beta agonists meant patients saw asthma as a recurrent acute condition resulting in an emphasis on hospital management with little awareness of inhaled preventative medicines. Discussion: Increasing access to inhaled medicines has the potential to save lives but socio-cultural factors in addition to medication supply need addressing.

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Living with Asthma in Low- and Middle-Income Countries in the Six WHO Regions

Cited by 4 publications

References 13 publications

Update in Asthma Management in Low‐Middle Income Countries

Update in Asthma Management in Low‐Middle Income Countries

Beliefs surrounding the use of inhaled asthma medication in The Gambia: a qualitative study of asthma patients and healthcare workers

Tensions surrounding the use of inhaled asthma medication in The Gambia: a qualitative study of asthma patients and health care workers

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