Differences in patient-perceptions and levels of asthma control across 8 Asia countires: data from the REALISE Asia survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIM: A recent survey in Europe (REALISE) provided insights into their attitudes of patients to asthma. We report here results from a similar survey, showing differences in patient-perceptions and asthma control across 8 countries in Asia. METHODS: Online surveys were conducted in patients with asthma (aged 18–50 years, >2 prescriptions for asthma in the past two years), recruited via validated consumer panels. 2,467 patients completed the survey, split across: Mainland China (n = 800), Hong Kong (n = 200), Indonesia (n = 166), Korea (n = 500), Malaysia (n = 151), the Philippines (n = 150), Singapore (n = 200), and Taiwan (n = 300). RESULTS: For several parameters, results were similar across the countries. Significant differences compared to over-all rates are summarized below: Asthma control: 18% are well-controlled, 32% partly controlled, and 50% uncontrolled as per GINA-defined criteria • More patients in Malaysia are well-controlled (28%) • Indonesia has lowest number of well-controlled (9%) and highest uncontrolled asthma (62%) Steroid and antibiotic use: 73% required >1 course of oral steroids, and 76% required >1 course of antibiotics in the past 12 months for worsening of asthma • China has the highest number of courses of oral steroids (3.3×) and Philippines, the least (1.4×) • China has highest proportion of patients who had antibiotics (85%), while Taiwan, the least (59%) Inhaler use: • 76% own a reliever inhaler, of which 32% used it >3x in the past week, with Indonesia having highest average frequency (3.7x). • Among those who use a controller inhaler, only 14% takes it daily. China and Hong Kong report higher proportion of patients (59% and 51% respectively) who use their controller inhaler on some days, but not on others. • Almost half (48%) of patients find using their inhaler a real nuisance, highest noted in Korea (58%) Consultation: • Patients in China (81%) and Taiwan (61%) see respiratory specialists for asthma, while SG (75%) and HK (59%) mainly see family physicians/general practitioners. • Top reasons for consults are regular asthma review (39%) and worsening of symptoms (29%). • Malaysia and Philippines had the least proportion of patients who ignore physicians’ instructions on when and how often to take inhaler medication (25% and 23% respectively). CONCLUSION: Differences in patient perceptions and levels of asthma control exist among countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Such differences could be considered in identifying unmet needs in each of the countries, and when embarking on country or regional programmes aimed at improving asthma care in this part of the world.