PREVALENCE OF THERAPEUTIC INERTIA AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PATIENTS ON BRONCHIAL ASTHMA MANAGEMENT IN A REFERRAL TEACHING HOSPITAL IN SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA, 2023: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Getinet Lake; Samuel Deok Jong  Yoo; Gashahun Mekonnen Disasa; Tenaye Abate Temesgen

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i12.898

Authors

Getinet Assabie Lake MD, Internal Medicine Resident, Jimma University Department of Internal Medicine.
Samuel Deok Jong Yoo MD, pulmonologist, Professor of Internal Medicine, Jimma University Department of Internal Medicine.
Gashahun Mekonnen Disasa MD, Internist, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Jimma University Department of Internal Medicine.
Tenaye Abate Temesgen MPH, BSc Nurse

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i12.898

Keywords:

Therapeutic inertia, Bronchial asthma, Asthma, JUMC, Jimma, Ethiopia, Prevalence

Abstract

Background:

Therapeutic inertia may be one of the factors responsible for inadequate asthma control. However, the magnitude of therapeutic inertia in asthmatic patients has not yet been determined. In Ethiopia, a result showed that more than half of people with asthma had uncontrolled asthma.

Objectives: to assess the prevalence of therapeutic inertia and its determinant factors among patients on bronchial Asthma management.

Methodology:

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on adult asthmatic patients attending the chronic follow-up department at Jimma University Medical College. A consecutive sampling with an interviewer-administered questionnaire and patient chart review was performed.

Results:

Therapeutic inertia was identified in 63 (47.7%) study subjects. The associated factors among patients on bronchial asthma management were poor adherence to medications prescribed by a doctor (p-value= 0.013; AOR 5.9; 95% CI 1.5-23.9), no regular follow-up (p-value=0.010; AOR 9.766; 95% CI 1.727-55.216), mild persistent chronic asthma (p-value <0.001; AOR 0.003; 95% CI 0.001-0.069) and poor provision of verbal explanation about asthma medication (p-value <0.001; AOR 0.113; 95% CI 0.049-0.261).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of therapeutic inertia among the study population was high. In the majority of cases with therapeutic inertia, asthma treatment necessitates treatment de-escalation and a step-up intervention. This is more likely to happen to patients with poor compliance and no regular follow-up. Mild persistent asthma and verbal explanations of medication dosage reduce the risk.

Recommendations:

The growing incidence of therapeutic inertia in asthma management calls for severity-based treatment plans, standard care, education on quitting smoking, appropriate medication counseling, and frequent follow-up visits. In 21% of patients with severe chronic asthma, uncontrolled cases may necessitate additional treatment alternatives.