ASSESSMENT OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALISED HOSPITAL, ETHIOPIA CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY, 2024

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition with a growing global prevalence, impacting the quality of life of millions. Quality of life among asthma patients can vary based on multiple factors, including demographics, clinical aspects, environmental influences, and the healthcare system. While several studies have identified these factors in the context of asthma, understanding the specific factors affecting asthma patients' quality of life at Gondar Hospital remains understudied. This research aims to address this knowledge gap. Objectives: The primary objective of this hospital-based cross-sectional study is to assess the quality of life in patients with bronchial asthma at Gondar Hospital. Specific objectives include determining the factors contributing to poor quality of life, identifying potential interventions or strategies for improving quality of life in asthma patients, and providing empirical data to enhance patient management and care strategies at Gondar Hospital. Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was carried out on 167 patients who was Visited at UoGCSH in Amhara region north west Ethiopia from April 2024 to January 2025G.C. Sample size was calculated by using single population proportion formula and study participants are all asthmatic patients who are eligible for the study during the study period. Structured data collection questioner was used to collect data through interview and chart review. The data was entered into IBM SPSS version 27 statistical software and then exported to STATA for analysis. Frequencies, proportion and summary statistics was used to describe the study population in relation to relevant variables. Linear and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was also carried out to see the effect of each independent variable on the dependent variable. Results: 21 out of 167 patients (12.6%) were found to have Good AQoL and 146 out of 167(87.4%) were found to have poor AQoL. Stage of bronchial asthma severity, occupation, previous exacerbation in less than 12month, Biomass use, educational status and age were among the independent predictors of the outcome. Conclusion: moderate and sever stage of bronchial asthma severity, daily laborer, previous exacerbation in less than 12-month, and Biomass use was highly associated with poor asthma quality of life while education above high school not using biomass and with no previous exacerbation was found to be associated with good AQoL at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital