EVALUATION OF ASTHMA CLINICS IN PRIMARY CARE IN KUWAIT

Aim: To determine the difference between asthmatics followed in asthma clinics, and asthmatics followed in non-asthma clinics in terms of knowledge about asthma definition, knowledge about provokers, proper inhaler technique, proper medication used and impact of asthma on life. Methods: This is a survey study conducted during the period of May 2005 to April 2006. The study included 136 Kuwaiti asthmatics, 12 years and above who are registered in asthma clinics distributed in different health areas. These cases were matched by age and sex with 136 controls collected from non-asthma ordinary primary care clinics. A specially designed questionnaire was developed based on five broad sections: socio-demographic characteristics, asthma history, asthma knowledge, effect of asthma on patient and finally patient satisfaction. Data were collected through interviews with cases in asthma clinics and controls in other clinics who came for asthma or other complaints. Results: The study showed that there is a significant difference between asthmatics in asthma clinics and those in non-asthma clinics in terms of knowledge about asthma as a disease and its most known provokers. They were more on proper medication especially anti-inflammatory and were more proficient in using the inhaler. Conclusion: Expanding asthma clinics can be used as an opportunity to improve asthma care at primary care level.