Relationship between symptom control and life quality in asthma

Objective: The aim of the asthma treatment is to have full symptom control. In this study, Interaction between life quality and symptom control on asthma patients were investigated. Also patient training and the other factors on asthma control are researched. Methods: Asthma patients (125) who were followed Chest Clinics of Denizli State hospital were included to the study. The questionnaire related with socio-demographic characteristics, Asthma Control Test (ACT) and life quality questionnaire (LQQ-SF36) were applied to the patients. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were measured. Approximately one month later; ACT and PFT were repeated and pre and post treatment changes were statistically analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 46.8 years and 77.6% of them were females. 12.8 % of the patients were smoker, and 34.4 % of them had at least one chronic disease/disorder. The initial ACT point was 18.4±5.3 and 13.6% of the patients had “complete symptom-control”. According to the LQQ; social function point was found as 67.9, mental health point as 67.7, and overall health point as 62.7. Significant positive correlations were found between life quality and ACT. Positive changes in the second ACT were determined. It was found as 23.7±2.4 and the increasing of ACT point was 5.3. The rate of the patients with “complete control” was 59.8% In addition, LQQ point and some PFT parameters was found significantly lower in patients with additional diseases (anxiety/depression, diabetes etc.). Conclusion: Significantly positive correlations were found between life quality and ACT. Our findings clearly show that the trainings of patients are effective in asthma control. It was seen that the presence of co-morbidity has a negative effect on asthma control and psychological status