Perceptions Towards Evidence Based Medicine and Implementation Obstacles at Primary Care Clinics, King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia, 2013

Abstract

Background: Asthma is considered as a major cause of morbidity in both developing and developed countries. Spirometry is routinely used for the assessment of the degree of airway obstruction and its response to treatment. Hence; we planned the present study to assess the clinical changes occurring during the treatment of asthma in asthmatic patients. Materials & Methods: The present study included assessment of 60 patients who reported with the chief complaint of acute asthma. The patients were followed up at six weeks, 12 weeks and six months after treatment and assessed clinically in terms of symptom score. Spirometric measurements were performed at every visit. All the results were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: At baseline and 6 weeks' time, the mean value of FEV1 was 2840.12 and 2860.37 ml respectively. Mean value of FEV1 at 12 weeks and 6 months' time was 2885.63 and 2897.96 ml respectively. Mean value of FVC at baseline and 6 weeks' time was 3510.37 and 3536.67 ml respectively. Mean value of FVC at 12 weeks and 6 months' time was 3550.23 and 3580.45 ml respectively. Non-significant results were obtained while comparing the ratio of mean value of FEV1 and mean value of FVC with time. p-value for improvement pulmonary parameters at different time intervals. Significant results were obtained while comparing the symptom score at 6 months' time. Conclusion: Understanding of both psychological and environmental factors is also necessary part from the drug therapy in controlling asthma.