Community-based pattern of adult bronchial asthma with treatment options in Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania
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Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Hubert Kairuki Memorial University
Abstract
Background: Asthma is a complex respiratory condition characterized by chronic airflow obstruction,
airway inflammation, and reversible changes. It is diagnosed through tests detecting
variations in peak expiratory flow or Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second
Objective/purpose: to comprehensively investigate the epidemiology, clinical
manifestations, diagnostic tools, risk factors, and treatment landscape of bronchial
asthma within the adult population in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study aims to
determine the prevalence and characteristics of bronchial asthma, examining its clinical
presentations, associated risk factors, treatment accessibility, and available options. The
research seeks to gather data critical for future health system planning, policy
development, and clinical guidance on asthma incidence and care in Tanzania, while
also aiming to innovate by evaluating and creating effective tools for asthma
identification and accessible treatment solutions specific to this region."
Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional community-based study conducted in
five municipals
collected by using a special structured questionnaire, and asthma diagnosis was
determined based on specific criteria and spirometer test
Results: The study, based on a sample of 300 participants, delves into the
identification of asthma using questionnaire responses and FEV1/FVC ratios.
Questionnaire data indicates that 21% of participants were asthmatic, while FEV1/FVC
ratios of less than 70% were observed in 4.33% of cases, Clinical characteristics among
asthmatic patients were assessed, revealing high percentages for symptoms such as
coughing
Conclusion: Accurate diagnostic methods, such as spirometry, to correctly identify and
treat bronchial asthma. The study emphasizes the necessity of reducing misdiagnoses
and ensuring more accurate patient care by employing precise diagnostic procedures.
Recommendation: Building upon the insights gained from this research, several
recommendations emerge to guide healthcare practices and policies: Due to relatively
high self-reported prevalence of asthma in Dar es Salaam, with lower prevalence values
by the aid of the spirometer its strongly recommended that asthma should not be
detected by just clinical symptoms of the patient ,instead the use of a questionnaire
and spirometer should be implicated as a diagnosis tool ,for proper diagnosis of the
patient condition and management outcome.
Preventive Interventions by addressing the identified risk factors, such as obesity,
allergies, and environmental exposures, should be a priority. Public health initiatives can
focus on promoting healthier lifestyles, encouraging weight management, reducing
exposure to allergens, and improving indoor air quality.
Description
A Dissertation Submitted in (partial)fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Medicine (Internal Medicine) of Hubert Kairuki Memorial University.
Keywords
Bronchial asthma, Dares salaam, Tanzania.
Citation
Masoud, Khalfan. A., 2023. Community-based pattern of adult bronchial asthma with treatment options in Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania.HKMU