RESUMO
Objectives: To examine factors associated with asthma related quality of life impairment (AQLI) among patient attending asthma clinics in Trinidad. Design and Methodology: A consecutive sample of 428 patients, ≥18 years, attending asthma clinics in Trinidad were recruited. Data were collected using intervieweradministered questionnaires which captured demography, comorbidities, triggers, hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) visits. AQLI was evaluated using the Juniper Mini AQL questionnaire to capture both the physical and emotional impact of the disease. The data were analysed using Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression (SPSS Version 25). Results: Majority of patients were female (81%), ≥40 years (80.4%), of Indo-Caribbean descent (61.9%), and overweight (71.7%). The most commonly reported health conditions were gastrooesophageal reflux (53.0%), hypertension (47.2%), allergic rhinitis (45.1%), anxiety (42.8%), sleep apnoea (35.0%), and depression (32.5%). Environmental allergens (73.8%) were the most commonly reported trigger factor. The prevalence of moderate to severe AQLI was 60% and significantly associated variables were: age group (p=.0003), ethnicity (p<.0001), trigger factors (p=.013), sleep apnoea (OR=3.07, p=.001), gastrooesophageal reflux (OR=2, p=.014), depression (OR=3.59, p=.001) and anxiety (OR=2.52, p=.003), frequent (two or more) exacerbations (OR=4.07, p<.001) and having ever visited the ED (OR=4.78, p<.001) in the last 12 months. Independent predictors of AQLI were age, ethnicity, sleep apnoea and ED visits (Nagelkerke's pseudo R2=41%). Conclusion: Asthmatics demonstrate a high prevalence of moderate to severe quality of life impairment associated with demography and co-morbidities. Understanding these factors may improve doctor patient interactions, treatment and management.
