Prevalence and Characteristics of Self-Reported Adult Asthma in Cyprus: A Population-Based Observational Study

Abstract

Kleomenis D Benidis,1 Eleni Tzortzaki,2 Andreas Georgiou,1 Theodora Zachariadou,3 Tonia Adamidi,1 Savvas Zannetos,4 Petros Bakakos,5 Nikolaos G Koulouris,5 Nikoletta Rovina5 1Respiratory Department, Nicosia General Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus; 2Outpatient Respiratory Clinic, Heraklion, Greece; 3Health Center of Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus; 4Department of Healthcare Management, Neapolis University Paphos, Paphos, Cyprus; 5 1st Respiratory Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, “Sotiria” Chest Hospital, Athens, GreeceCorrespondence: Nikoletta Rovina, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens & ICU, First Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, Athens, 115 27, Greece, Email [email protected]: To estimate the prevalence of asthma in adults, by gender and age, in urban and rural areas of Cyprus.Patients and Methods: This was a population-based, random-digit dialing, telephone nation-wide survey to recruit patients with asthma. Among 8996 random landline-telephone contacted from the five major urban and rural regions of Cyprus, 1914 were finally met the age criterion of ≥ 18 years old and 572 completed valid screening for prevalence estimation. The participants filled a short screening questionnaire in order for asthma cases to be recognized. Then, asthma cases filled the main ECRHS II questionnaire and were evaluated by a pulmonary physician. All underwent spirometry. Data on demographic characteristics, educational level, profession, smoking status, Body Mass Index (BMI), Total IgE and Eosinophil Cationic Protein levels were measured.Results: The overall prevalence of bronchial asthma in adults in Cyprus was 5.57% (61.1% men and 38.9% women). Among the participants with self-reported bronchial asthma 36.1% were current smokers, while 12.3% were obese (BMI > 30). A total value of IgE > 115 IU and Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) > 20 IU was found in 40% of the participants with established bronchial asthma. Wheezing and chest tightness were the most frequently reported symptoms in asthma patients (36.1% and 34.5%, respectively), while 36.5% experienced at least one exacerbation during the last year. Interestingly, most of the patients were under-treated (14.2% were on maintenance asthma treatment, and 18% used solely reliever medication).Conclusion: This was the first study estimating asthma prevalence in Cyprus. Asthma affects almost 6% of the adult population, with higher prevalence in urban areas and in men compared to women. Interestingly, one-third of the patients were uncontrolled and under-treated. This study revealed that in Cyprus there is space for improvement in the management of asthma.Keywords: asthma, allergy, prevalence, Cyprus

Keywords

• asthma
• allergy
• prevalence
• cyprus