Prevalence of asthma medical diagnosis among Brazilian adults: National Health Survey, 2013

Prevalence of functional dependence and chronic diseases in the community-dwelling Brazilian older adults: an analysis by dependence severity and multimorbidity pattern

BACKGROUND

Despite the advancements in knowledge about health care for older adults, essential gaps persist regarding the effects of chronic diseases as epidemiological markers of the state of functional dependence. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of moderate and severe functional dependence in Brazilian older adults and its association with chronic diseases and verify the multimorbidity patterns by dependence status.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analytical study used data from 11,177 community-dwelling Brazilian older adults from the 2013 National Health Survey conducted in Brazil. The dependent variables were moderate and severe functional dependence in basic activities of daily living (BADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs). The independent variables were defined based on the questions applied to measure each morbidity in a self-reported manner and asked, "Has a doctor ever diagnosed you as having (each disease)? Multimorbidity was simultaneously considered present for older adults with ≥ 2 chronic morbidities. The association between functional dependence on BADLs and IADLs separately by severity and the independent variables was verified from crude and adjusted estimates of the point prevalence ratios and their 95% confidence intervals using the regression model Poisson with robust variance. To group diseases into patterns, exploratory factor analysis was used.

RESULTS

The prevalences of moderate and severe BADL dependence were 10.2% (95% CI, 9.6-10.7) and 4.8% (95% CI, 4.4-5.2), respectively. Moderate and severe IADL dependence prevalences were 13.8% (95% CI, 13.1-14.4) and 15.6% (95% CI, 14.9%-16.2), respectively. When changing the condition from moderate to severe dependence in BADLs, in the presence of other mental illnesses and stroke, the probability of dependence increased more than four times in the case of other mental illnesses and more than five times for stroke. There was a linear trend for dependence severity, both moderate and severe, whereas, for severe dependence on IADLs, this same factor maintained a linear trend toward an increase in probability as the number of diseases simultaneously increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic diseases are associated with functional dependence, with greater emphasis on mental illnesses and stroke in severe disability, considering their acute adverse effects.

PREVALENCE OF COMORBIDITIES IN PATIENTS WITH CHAGASIC MEGAESOPHAGUS

•The study investigated the prevalence of certain comorbidities in patients with Chagas megaoesophagus compared to those without the condition, aiming to determine whether it serves as a protective or risk factor. •In the general group (546 patients), the three most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (44.3%), dyslipidaemia (17.8%), and heart failure (15.2%). •In the older group (248 patients), similar to that in the general group, the most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and heart failure. •The lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease in the patients with Chagas megaoesophagus suggests the association of enteric nervous system denervation and requires further investigation. Objective - This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of some epidemiologically important comorbidities in patients with Chagas megaoesophagus in relation to the population without megaoesophagus, and whether this condition would be a protective or a risk factor for the conditions analysed. Methods - This observational descriptive study collected data from the medical records of patients with a previous diagnosis of megaoesophagus (timing: from 2005 to 2020). The patients were divided by age into a general (all ages) and an older group (aged 60 years or more). Associations were searched for four main areas/systems/involvements: cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and neurological. Results - The general group included 546 patients and the older group included 248 patients. As for the prevalence of comorbidities in the general group, the three most prevalent diseases were hypertension, with 44.3% (CI95%: 40.21-48.51%); dyslipidaemia, with 17.8% (CI95%: 14.79-21.19%); and heart failure, with 15.2% (CI95%: 12.43-18.45%). Similar to that in the general group, the most prevalent comorbidities in the group of older patients were hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and heart failure. Conclusion - Systemic arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and heart failure were the most prevalent comorbidities in this population. The lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease suggests the association of enteric nervous system denervation and requires further investigation.

Periostin as an important biomarker of inflammatory phenotype T2 in Brazilian asthma patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the laboratory performance of periostin associated with a panel of biomarkers to identify the inflammatory phenotype of Brazilian asthma patients.

METHODS

We evaluated 103 Brazilian individuals, including 37 asthmatics and 66 nonasthmatic controls. Both groups underwent analyses for serum periostin, eosinophil levels in the peripheral blood, the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), total serum IgE, urinary leukotriene E4, and serum cytokines.

RESULTS

Higher levels of periostin (p = 0.005), blood eosinophils (p = 0.012), FeNO (p = 0.001), total IgE (p < 0.001), and IL-6 (p ≤ 0.001) were found in the asthmatic patients than the controls. Biomarker analyses by the ROC curve showed an AUC greater than 65%. Periostin (OR: 12,550; 95% CI: 2,498-63,063) and IL-6 (OR: 7,249; 95% CI: 1,737-30,262) revealed to be suitable asthma inflammation biomarkers. Blood eosinophils, FeNO, total IgE, IL-6, TNF, and IFN-g showed correlations with clinical severity characteristics in asthmatic patients. Periostin showed higher values in T2 asthma (p = 0.006) and TNF in non-T2 asthma (p = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

The panel of biomarkers proposed for the identification of the inflammatory phenotype of asthmatic patients demonstrated good performance. Periostin proved to be an important biomarker for the identification of T2 asthma.

Chronic respiratory diseases and respiratory symptoms after a mining dam rupture: Brumadinho Health Project

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory symptoms, in Brumadinho, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, after a dam rupture.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study, including a representative sample of adults (aged 18 years and over) in the municipality. Associations were assessed between dependent variables (medical diagnosis of asthma and COPD; symptoms of wheezing, dry cough, and nose irritation) and exploratory variables (sex, age group, smoking habit, having worked at Vale S.A. company before the dam rupture, time and area of residence in relation to the dam rupture). Logistic regression models with odds ratio (OR) calculation and 95% confidence interval were used.

RESULTS

We identified a prevalence of 7.2% of asthma; 3.5% of COPD; 8.8% of wheezing; 23.6% of dry cough; and 31.8% of nose irritation. We observed a greater chance of asthma among women and residents in the affected and mining regions, while a greater chance of COPD was observed in smokers and in those with longer time of residence in the municipality. Among the symptoms, we verified a higher chance of nose irritation among women, while a higher chance of wheezing and dry cough were found among smokers (current and former). Residents of regions affected by the mud reported a greater chance of presenting all the analyzed symptoms. Conversely, level of education was negatively associated with wheezing and dry cough.

CONCLUSION

We found respiratory changes and identified the groups most vulnerable to developing them, which could contribute to directing actions to reduce the population's respiratory problems.

Doenças respiratórias crônicas e sintomas respiratórios após rompimento de barragem de mineração: Projeto Saúde Brumadinho

RESUMO: Objetivo: Identificar fatores associados a asma, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) e sintomas respiratórios em Brumadinho (MG), após rompimento de barragem. Métodos: Estudo transversal com amostra representativa de adultos. Verificaram-se associações entre variáveis dependentes (diagnóstico médico de asma e DPOC e os sintomas chiado no peito, tosse seca e irritação nasal) e variáveis exploratórias (sexo, faixa etária, tabagismo, ter trabalhado na Vale S.A. antes do rompimento da barragem, tempo e área de residência em relação ao rompimento da barragem). Modelos de regressão logística com cálculo da odds ratio e intervalo de confiança de 95% foram empregados. Resultados: Identificou-se prevalência de asma de 7,2%, de DPOC de 3,5%, de chiado no peito de 8,8%, de tosse seca de 23,6% e de irritação nasal de 31,8%. Maior chance de asma foi observada no sexo feminino e nos residentes em área diretamente atingida pela lama e área de mineração, enquanto maior chance de DPOC foi vista nos fumantes e naqueles com maior tempo de residência no município. Entre os sintomas, maior chance de irritação nasal foi observada no sexo feminino, e de chiado no peito e tosse seca em fumantes (atuais e no passado). Residentes em área atingida pela lama relataram maior chance de apresentarem todos os sintomas analisados. Já a escolaridade apresentou associação negativa com chiado no peito e tosse seca. Conclusão: O estudo mostrou alterações respiratórias e identificou os grupos com maior vulnerabilidade para desenvolvê-las, podendo contribuir com o direcionamento de ações para a redução de problemas respiratórios da população.

Anti-interleukin-5 in the Management of Eosinophilic Asthma: A Review of Effectiveness, Safety, and Budgetary Impact From the Perspective of the Brazilian Health System

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-interleukin-5 class therapy agents in the treatment of eosinophilic asthma and the financial impact of these drugs on the Brazilian and Mato Grosso public health systems.

METHODS

The literature review in important databases was guided by a structured research question including patient or population, intervention, comparator, outcome and type of study. The retrieved studies went through a screening, selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment process. A model with two scenarios, one with mepolizumab and the other with benralizumab, was created for budget impact analysis.

RESULTS

Evidence indicated that anti-interleukins-5 have an acceptable safety profile and can reduce exacerbation rates by up to 50% in the population with eosinophilic asthma; however, they showed no significant difference in quality of life. The adoption of these drugs in the Brazilian health system can impact the budget from R$ 40,379,731.50 to R$ 140,301,211.34 depending on the drug incorporated, considering a time horizon of 5 years. From the perspective of the state of Mato Grosso, the budget impact may reach, in the fifth year, an amount of R$ 1,301,210.58 and R$ 2,050.687.62 for the scenarios with mepolizumab and benralizumab, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Anti-interleukins-5 are promising treatments for eosinophilic asthma because they minimise exacerbations and are well tolerated and safe. The financial impact is large, implying that technology costs may be a barrier to accessing this treatment class.

Chronic non-communicable diseases and COVID-19: EPICOVID-19 Brazil results

OBJECTIVE

Describing the prevalence of chronic diseases and associated socioeconomic and demographic factors, evaluating the patterns of social distancing and the antibodies prevalence against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 symptoms in carriers and non-carriers of chronic diseases.

METHODS

Data from 77,075 individuals aged 20 to 59 from three steps of the EPICOVID-19 Brazil (a nationwide serological survey conducted between May and June, 2021) were assessed. The presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was examined by rapid tests. Self-reported prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, asthma, cancer, chronic kidney disease and heart disease were investigated. The prevalence of mask use, adherence to isolation measures and antibodies were evaluated separately amid carriers and non-carriers of chronic diseases. The prevalence of symptoms was analyzed among carriers and non-carriers of chronic diseases with antibodies.

RESULTS

The prevalence of at least one chronic disease was 43%, higher in the Southeast region, among white and indigenous individuals, women, less schooled and in lower socioeconomic position. The use of masks when leaving home was similar among carriers and non-carriers of chronic diseases (98%). The proportion of participants who reported adherence to isolation measures was higher amid carriers (15.9%) than non-carriers (24.9%) of chronic diseases. The prevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 was similar amongst carriers and non-carriers (2.4% and 2.3%). The prevalence of cough, dyspnea, palpitations and myalgia was significantly higher among carriers, but the proportion of symptomatic patients was similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of chronic diseases in Brazil is high and the COVID-19 pandemic affects carriers and non-carriers of chronic diseases similarly. Carriers present more severe forms of COVID-19 and higher prevalence of symptoms. Greater adherence to social distancing measures among chronic patients is disassociated from a lower incidence of COVID-19 in this group.

Prevalence of asthma symptoms and associated factors in adolescents and adults in southern Brazil: A Global Asthma Network Phase I study

Background

The Global Asthma Network (GAN) aims to find out the current status of the prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema using global surveillance to achieve worldwide recognition and improve the management of asthma, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to verify the associated factors for asthma in adolescents and their respective parents/caregivers.

Methods

Adolescents (13–14 years old; n = 1058) and their respective parents/caregivers (mean age = 42.1 years, n = 896) living in the town of Uruguaiana, Southern Brazil fulfilled the standardized questionnaire.

Results

Although the prevalence of wheezing in the past 12 months was higher among adults than adolescents (18.4% vs. 15.8%, respectively), adolescents showed more severe wheezing and worse control over the disease revealed by higher consumption of short-acting beta-2 agonists; going to the emergency room; hospitalization in the last year and dry night cough. Smoking and paracetamol use were associated with risk for developing asthma symptoms and consuming seafood/fish was protective. For the adults smoking (10 or more cigarettes/day) and exposure to mould in the house were associated with risk for asthma symptoms.

Conclusions

Adolescents have a high prevalence of asthma symptoms and few have an action plan. Adults do not have their disease under control and they use more relief than preventive medication. Differences in associated factors could determine the outcomes in asthma control among adolescents and their parents.

An expert review on breaking barriers in severe asthma in Brazil: Time to act

Currently, Brazil lacks a national asthma management program and is burdened with nearly 200,000 hospitalizations due to the disease per year and approximately 5 deaths per day. The purpose of this article was to analyze the current issues surrounding severe asthma in Brazil, as the status of diagnosis and treatment is largely unknown, and to provide feasible recommendations to elicit imminent action. A panel of Brazilian medical experts in the field of severe asthma was provided with a series of relevant questions to address prior to a multi-day conference. Within this conference, each narrative was discussed and edited by the entire group. Through numerous rounds of discussion consensus was achieved. In order to overcome barriers to adequate asthma treatment, this panel recommends specific initiatives that can be implemented in the short-term to decrease the burden of severe asthma in Brazil. With increasing healthcare costs and limited resources globally, there is an opportunity to implement these recommendations in other countries in order to achieve adequate asthma care. Severe asthma is a heterogeneous and complex disease with various phenotypes that requires strict attention for diagnosis and management. Although this disease affects only a small proportion of the population with asthma, it poses a great burden to healthcare systems. Thus, barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and management should be overcome as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of Brazilian adults and COVID-19: a risk group analysis based on the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2013

This study aimed to characterize risk groups for COVID-19 in Brazil and to estimate the number of individuals living in the same household with persons in the risk group. Data were used from the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS) of 2013. To characterize the risk groups, a binary multiple logistic regression model was adjusted in which the response variable was the presence or absence of at least one condition associated with COVID-19 and the explanatory variables were age, sex, major geographic region, color or race, schooling, and workforce status of the residents interviewed by the study. The results show that age is the principal risk factor for comorbidities associated with COVID-19, but the risk is also greater for persons in more vulnerable categories, such as those with less schooling and blacks and browns. An estimated 68.7% of Brazilians were living with at least one person in the risk group: 30.3% lived with at least one elderly individual and another 38.4% had no elderly individuals in their households, but there was at least one adult resident with preexisting medical conditions. The proportion of persons living in households with at least one resident in the risk group was 50% or greater for all ages and increased from 35 years of age, but there were also high numbers of persons 10 to 25 years of age living with persons in the risk group. The results suggest that due to the difficulties in avoiding close household contact, the exclusive isolation of specific population groups is not a feasible strategy in the Brazilian context, but should be combined with social distancing of the population as a whole.

Longitudinal Association Between Diet Quality and Asthma Symptoms in Early Adult Life in a Brazilian Birth Cohort

Background

The role of diet in the etiology of asthma is still inconclusive. This paper evaluated the longitudinal association between diet quality and chest wheezing in young adults.

Methods

This is a longitudinal study with follow-up information from 18- and 22-year-olds (18y and 22y) of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort. Chest wheezing occurrence and number of events in the last year were reported at 22y. Diet quality was measured with a revised version of the Healthy Eating Index (IQD-R) for the Brazilian population at 18y and 22y by food frequency questionnaire referring to the last 12 months. The diet quality continuity was classified as good (always 1st IQD-R tertile), intermediate (always 2nd tertile/change tertile) and poor (always 3rd tertile).

Results

A total of 2986 young individuals were evaluated; 51.4% were female. Prevalence of wheezing at 22y was 10.1% (95% CI: 9.1–11.2), and of these patients, 10% reported at least one event in the past year. Better IQD-R score, both at 18y and at 22y, the lower the odds of wheezing in the past year. Regarding the diet quality continuity from 18y to 22y, staying on a poor diet increased by more than three-fold the odds of chest wheezing (OR=3.28; 95% CI: 1.84–5.84) and of wheezing events (OR=3.32; 95% CI: 1.89–5.85) compared to staying on a good diet, after adjustment for confounding variables.

Conclusion

The overall quality of the diet seems to be more important than the individual components in the effect on asthma symptoms. Low-quality diet persistence increased the odds of chest wheezing and the number of events.

Epidemiology and burden of chronic respiratory diseases in Brazil from 1990 to 2017: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease 2017 Study

INTRODUCTION

In Brazil, little is known about the trends of chronic respiratory diseases, which was estimated as the third leading cause of deaths in 2017 worldwide.

METHODS

We analyzed Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 estimates for prevalence, incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALY), a summary measure of years of life lost (YLLs) and years lived with disability (YLDs), and risk factors attributable to chronic respiratory diseases in Brazil from 1990 to 2017.

RESULTS

The overall estimates have decreased for all ages and both sexes, and for age-standardized rates. For age-adjusted prevalence, there was a 21% reduction, and nearly 16% reduction for incidence. There was a 42% reduction in mortality for both sexes, though the rate of deaths for men was 30% greater than the rate in women. The increase in the number of DALY was essentially due to the population growth and population ageing. We observed a 34% increase in the absolute number of DALY in Brazil over the study period. The majority of the DALY rates were due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). For all ages and both sexes, smoking was the main attributable risk factor.

CONCLUSION

In Brazil, although mortality, prevalence and incidence for chronic respiratory diseases have decreased over the years, attention should be taken to the DALYs increase. Smoking remained as the main risk factor, despite the significant decrease of tobacco use, reinforcing the need for maintenance of policies and programs directed at its cessation.

Distance Education to Improve the Quality of Asthma Treatment in Primary Health Care

Objective: The mere dissemination of standard care recommendations has been insufficient to improve clinical results in patients with asthma. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a multifaceted asthma distance education for primary care providers. Methods: Cluster randomized controlled trial. Full primary care teams were included if they had access to telehealth support and free basic asthma treatment. Before randomization, selected teams indicated asthma patients between 5-45 years old for inclusion. The intervention group received three interactive online sessions, printed educational material, reminders, booklet for patients, and frequent stimulus to use consulting services. The control group received no intervention. Symptomfree days per two weeks was the primary result. Controlled asthma, unscheduled asthma doctor visits, and preventive inhaled corticosteroid use were the secondary results. Six months after intervention, the results were compared with baseline data using generalized estimating equations for repeated measures and clustering effect. Results: Were enrolled 71 primary care teams and 443 individuals. Most patients (60.3%) were female, and 44% were younger than 12 years old. The attendance of interactive sessions by the teams was 50%. The odds ratio (OR) for additional symptom-free day was 1.31 (95%CI 0.61-2.82; p=0.49). For the secondary results, the results were: controlled asthma OR 1.29 (95%CI 0.89-1.87; p=0.18); unscheduled asthma doctor visits OR 0.81 (95%CI 0.60-1.10; p=0.17); and preventive inhaled corticosteroid use OR 1.02 (95%CI 0.71-1.47; p=0.91). Conclusions: Multifaceted distance education in asthma care for primary care providers was not effective to improve patients’ results. Telemedicine needs to deal with significant obstacles in professional education. ClinicalTrials.gov registry: NCT01595971. 

Body mass index, asthma, and respiratory symptoms: a population-based study

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and asthma, according to body mass index (BMI), as well as to evaluate factors associated with physician-diagnosed asthma, in individuals ≥ 40 years of age.

Methods:

This was a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in Florianópolis, Brazil, with probability sampling. Data were collected during home visits. Demographic data were collected, as were reports of physician-diagnosed asthma, respiratory symptoms, medications in use, and comorbidities. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Individuals also underwent spirometry before and after bronchodilator administration. Individuals were categorized as being of normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m²), overweight (25 kg/m² ≥ BMI < 30 kg/m²), or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²).

Results:

A total of 1,026 individuals were evaluated, 274 (26.7%) were of normal weight, 436 (42.5%) were overweight, and 316 (30.8%) were obese. The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 11.0%. The prevalence of obesity was higher in women (p = 0.03), as it was in respondents with ≤ 4 years of schooling (p < 0.001) or a family income of 3-10 times the national minimum wage. Physician-diagnosed asthma was more common among obese individuals than among those who were overweight and those of normal weight (16.1%, 9.9%, and 8.0%, respectively; p = 0.04), as were dyspnea (35.5%, 22.5%, and 17.9%, respectively; p < 0.001) and wheezing in the last year (25.6%, 11.9%, and 14.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). These results were independent of patient smoking status. In addition, obese individuals were three times more likely to report physician-diagnosed asthma than were those of normal weight (p = 0.005).

Conclusions:

A report of physician-diagnosed asthma showed a significant association with being ≥ 40 years of age and with having a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m². Being obese tripled the chance of physician-diagnosed asthma.

Urbanisation and asthma in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review of the urban-rural differences in asthma prevalence

BACKGROUND

Urbanisation has been associated with temporal and geographical differences in asthma prevalence in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, little is known of the mechanisms by which urbanisation and asthma are associated, perhaps explained by the methodological approaches used to assess the urbanisation-asthma relationship.

OBJECTIVE

This review evaluated how epidemiological studies have assessed the relationship between asthma and urbanisation in LMICs, and explored urban/rural differences in asthma prevalence.

METHODS

Asthma studies comparing urban/rural areas, comparing cities and examining intraurban variation were assessed for eligibility. Included publications were evaluated for methodological quality and pooled OR were calculated to indicate the risk of asthma in urban over rural areas.

RESULTS

Seventy articles were included in our analysis. Sixty-three compared asthma prevalence between urban and rural areas, five compared asthma prevalence between cities and two examined intraurban variation in asthma prevalence. Urban residence was associated with a higher prevalence of asthma, regardless of asthma definition: current-wheeze OR:1.46 (95% CI:1.22 to 1.74), doctor diagnosis OR:1.89 (95% CI:1.47 to 2.41), wheeze-ever OR:1.44 (95% CI:1.15 to 1.81), self-reported asthma OR:1.77 (95% CI:1.33 to 2.35), asthma questionnaire OR:1.52 (95% CI:1.06 to 2.16) and exercise challenge OR:1.96 (95% CI:1.32 to 2.91).

CONCLUSIONS

Most evidence for the relationship between urbanisation and asthma in LMICs comes from studies comparing urban and rural areas. These studies tend to show a greater prevalence of asthma in urban compared to rural populations. However, these studies have been unable to identify which specific characteristics of the urbanisation process may be responsible. An approach to understand how different dimensions of urbanisation, using contextual household and individual indicators, is needed for a better understanding of how urbanisation affects asthma.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017064470.

Trend of self-reported asthma prevalence in Brazil from 2003 to 2013 in adults and factors associated with prevalence

Objectives:

To determine the trend of self-reported asthma diagnosed prevalence and to describe the factors associated with asthma in Brazilian adults.

Method:

Epidemiological cross-sectional study based on databases analysis from three national household surveys: Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD) 2003, PNAD 2008 and Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) 2013. Participants between 18-45 years old were included. Trend analysis of asthma diagnosed prevalence was conducted using a logistic general linear model. A hierarchical logistic regression model was used to select factors significantly associated with asthma prevalence.

Results:

Asthma diagnosed prevalence was 3.6% (2003), 3.7% (2008) and 4.5% (2013), showing a statistically significant increased trend. Asthma diagnosed prevalence also increased when analysed by gender (annual change for men: 2.47%, p < 0.003; women: 2.16%, p < 0.001), urban area (annual change for urban: 2.15%, p < 0.001; rural: 2.69%, p = 0.072), healthcare insurance status (annual change without healthcare insurance: 2.18%, p < 0.001; with healthcare insurance: 1.84%, p = 0.014), and geographic regions (annual change North: 4.68%, p < 0.001; Northeast: 4.14%, p < 0.001; and Southeast: 1.84%, p = 0.025). Female gender, obesity, living in urban areas and depression were associated with asthma diagnosed prevalence.

Discussion:

PNAD and PNS surveys allow for a very large, representative community-based sample of the Brazilian adults to investigate the asthma prevalence. From 2003 to 2013, the prevalence of self-reported physician diagnosis of asthma increased, especially in the North and Northeast regions. Gender, region of residence, household location (urban/rural), obesity, and depression diagnosis seem to play significant roles in the epidemiology of asthma in Brazil.

Social, Environmental and Behavioral Determinants of Asthma Symptoms in Brazilian Middle School Students-A National School Health Survey (Pense 2012)

Biological and psychosocial factors are recognized contributors to the worldwide burden of asthma. However, the relationship between psychosocial factors and asthma symptoms among students in low- and middle-income countries remains underexplored. We aimed to identify socioeconomic, environmental, psychosocial, family-related and lifestyle factors associated with the self-reporting of asthma symptoms in Brazilian adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study using data from the 2012 PeNSE survey (n = 109,104). We analyzed the following variables: socioeconomic conditions, demographic characteristics, lifestyle, family context and dynamics, psychosocial indicators, smoking, and exposure to violence. Our outcome variable was the self-report of asthma symptoms in the past 12 months. The prevalence of wheezing was 22.7% (21.5–23.9). After adjusting for sex, age and the variables from higher hierarchical levels, exposure to violence (feeling unsafe at school, being frequently bullied, being exposed to fights with firearms) and physical aggression by an adult in the family were the environmental factors that showed the strongest associations with self-reporting of asthma symptoms. For psychosocial indicators of mental health and social integration, feelings of loneliness and sleeping problems were the strongest factors, and among individual behavioral factors, the largest associations were found for tobacco consumption. Our findings were consistent with previous studies, showing an association between self-reported asthma symptoms and socio-economic status, family context and dynamics, psychosocial indicators of mental health, exposure to violence and social integration, as well as a sedentary lifestyle and tobacco use.

[Indication, access, and use of medicines for chronic respiratory diseases in Brazil: results from the National Survey on Access, Utilization, and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines in Brazil (PNAUM), 2014]

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-reported chronic respiratory diseases and the indication, access to, and use of medicines, as well as their sources, in the Brazilian adult population. Data were analyzed on adults 20 years and older from the National Survey on Access, Utilization, and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines in Brazil (PNAUM), conducted from September 2013 to February 2014. Prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases was 3% (95%CI: 2.7-3.3). Of these individuals, 58.1% (95%CI: 51.8-64.0) had an indication for pharmacological treatment. Of those with indication for treatment, 77.1% (95%CI: 71.0-82.8) were using at least one of the prescribed drugs. Total access to therapy was 91.4% (95%CI: 79.9-96.6), and more than half of individuals with chronic respiratory diseases purchased at least one of the drugs in retail pharmacies (57.3%). The most frequently reported drug class was the association of a corticosteroid plus a long-acting beta-2 agonist in inhalation form, the most common example of which was the association budesonide/formoterol (20.3%; 95%CI: 16.0-25.4). According to our study, prevalence of self-reported chronic respiratory diseases was lower than in previous studies published on the Brazilian population. Nearly half of the population reporting chronic respiratory diseases did not have an indication for pharmacological treatment. Among those with such indication, approximately one-fourth were not using medications during the study period, and for those who were on medication, although access was high, they had to pay for their medicines.

Respira project: Humanistic and economic burden of asthma in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of asthma on health-related quality of life (QoL), productivity, and use of healthcare resources among adults in Brazil.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from the 2015 Brazil National Health and Wellness Survey, a cross-sectional survey with 12,000 adult respondents. Asthma and control groups were compared with respect to health-related QoL, asthma control, work productivity, and adherence. Generalized linear models were developed to compare asthma-related associations controlling for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

Among respondents, 4.1% (n = 494) reported an asthma diagnosis; those without asthma symptoms were used as the control group (n = 11,487). Regarding asthma control, 51.2% of patients had uncontrolled asthma, 36.4% partially controlled asthma, and 12.3% were fully controlled. Short-acting β2 agonists were the most commonly used class of drugs (38.5%). Approximately 32.4% of asthma patients were considered fully adherent to their treatment. In multivariable analyses, asthma patients presented lower health-related QoL and had more frequent visits with medical healthcare providers (6.1 versus 4.2) emergency room visits (1.0 versus 0.5), and more hospitalizations (0.4 versus 0.2), than control respondents six months prior to the study (p < 0.05). Rates of absenteeism and presenteeism varied between 11.5% and 7.4% (p < 0.05) and 30.4% and 20.9% (p < 0.001) between asthma patients and controls, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Asthma had a negative association on health-related QoL, work productivity, and use of healthcare resources. Excessive use of short-acting β2 agonists and poor treatment adherence reflect poor asthma control and suggest the need to implement new strategies for asthma treatment in Brazil.

Asthma and its related socioeconomic factors: The Shiraz Adult Respiratory Disease Study 2015

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the association between the prevalence of asthma and the socioeconomic factors using data from the Shiraz Adult Respiratory Disease Study, 2015(SARDS).

METHODS

The SARDS was conducted from June to October 2015 among adult subjects of the general population of Shiraz, Iran. Current asthma was defined as the presence of at least 1 of the following factors in the preceding 12 months: (1) being awakened by an attack of shortness of breath, coughing, or chest tightness without any identifiable cause; (2) having an asthma attack; (3) currently using medication for asthma; or (4) having wheezing or whistling in the chest not associated with a cold or the flu. Information on individual socioeconomic status was derived from self-reported education level, occupation, income, and residence location. A value of P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 4582 respondents aged 20-60 years were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of adult asthma was 7.8%. The prevalence of asthma was higher significantly among female and subjects with higher body mass index, allergic rhinitis, smokers, jobless, and individuals who live in suburban areas. In the adjusted logistic regression model, being jobless (odds ratio [OR], 2.256; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.123-4.535) and living in a suburban area (OR, 1.735; 95% CI, 1.058-2.845) were the most significant socioeconomic predictive factors for adult current asthma.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that lower socioeconomic status is associated with higher adult current asthma prevalence. Target interventions are necessary to reduce disparities in healthcare systems.

Asthma prevalence and severity in low-resource communities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The prevalence of asthma was thought to be low in most low-income countries, but several reports have indicated this is not always true. This is a narrative review of recent publications on the burden of asthma in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) and underprivileged communities from developed countries.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several studies have reported a low prevalence of asthma is LMIC, but indicate it is increasing. In the last few years, however, many surveys demonstrated this may not always be true. An analysis of the International Study for Asthma and Allergy in Childhood phase III database indicated although the prevalence of asthma among children and adolescents is higher in the developed countries, symptoms of asthma are often more severe in less affluent nations. The rate of uncontrolled asthma is also higher among underprivileged communities of developed countries. Secondary analysis of data generated by the WHO's world health survey performed among adults of 70 countries indicate symptoms of asthma are less frequent in middle-income countries and more frequent in the extremes, low income and high income. This sort of U shaped distribution suggests the disease (or syndrome) comprise more than one major phenotype related to diverse underlying mechanisms. In fact, recent reports show symptoms of asthma among the poor are associated with unhygienic living conditions, which may reduce the risk of atopy but increase the risk of nonatopic wheezing. Urbanization and exposure to air pollution also seem to contribute to an increasing prevalence severity of asthma in LMIC. Access to proper diagnosis and treatment with controller medications for asthma, specially with inhaled corticosteroids is feasible and cost-effective, reduce symptoms, health resource utilization, improves quality of life, and reduce mortality in low-resource settings.

SUMMARY

Prevalence of asthma was thought to be low in low-income countries, but several reports have indicated this is not always true. Under diagnosis, under treatment, exposure to air pollution, and unhygienic living conditions may contribute to a higher frequency and severity of symptoms of asthma among the poor. Proper diagnosis and treatment with controller medications for asthma is feasible and cost-effective in low-resource settings.