Evaluation of pattern of prescription for Asthma : A multicentre prospective observational study from Pakistan

Asthma is a common allergic reaction and a number of drugs are available. This study was conducted to evaluate the prescribing pattern and usage of anti-asthma medications at different medical setups in Hyderabad. The study was conducted from August 2017 to July 2018. A total of 1000 patients from different medical setups diagnosed with asthma were recruited. A pre-designed, detailed questionnaire was used for their data collection. Their prescriptions were collected to evaluate and compare them with the standard guidelines of GINA. The prescribing pattern of anti-asthma was assessed regarding the type of therapy, route of administration, single or multiple treatments, class of drugs, doses, and frequency. Demographically, more asthmatics were found be males (i.e 73.5%), 46.5% were adults, 58.3% from urban areas and 51.68% of the sample had outdoor jobs, while 41.5% of illiterate people were found to be asthmatic. A major type of asthma was persistent at 65.3%. A maximum prescription of 85.5% for asthma management was combined therapy. From long-term use, the monotherapy ICS group was reported in a considerable number (44.13%) (i.e. Beclomethasone in 70% and Budesonide in 7%). Prescriptions of multiple routes of administration were comparatively higher (79.5%). The study concluded that male, young, urban, illiterate and people with outdoor jobs were more likely to get asthma. Preventer drugs were prescribed more in combined therapy, in which Fluticasone + Salmeterol were preferred. The oral inhalational route was selected more. The treatment pattern was consistent with standard guidelines.