Acta clinica Croatica, Vol. 42 No. 3, 2003.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
Some Risk Factors Associated with Asthma
Suzana Kukulj
Muharem Mehulić
Zagorka Boras
Dubravka Matanić
Sažetak
The aim of the study was to determine whether the incidence of some risk factors was significantly higher in a group of asthma patients as compared with a control group of asthma-free subjects. The study included 100 asthmatics and 100 nonasthmatic subjects. Data were collected by the methods of interview and questionnaire. Study results indicated a positive association between asthmatics and lower educational level, poorer compliance with the treatment, and more frequent hospitalization for the disease. Atopy was significantly more common among asthmatics as well as in their family members; however, other chronic diseases were significantly less present in asthmatics as compared with the control group. In our opinion, the treatment of asthma should be strictly individualized and based on psychosocial characteristics of each patient in addition to the pulmonary clinical-functional parameters and international guidelines for the management of asthma. It is concluded that in addition to pharmacologic therapy, the management of asthma should also include patient education on the disease and methods of treatment, various psychotherapeutic measures, and self-care techniques.
Ključne riječi
Asthma - prevention and control; Asthma - socioeconomic factors; Respiratory hypersensitivity - epidemiology; Risk factors; Self care methods; Patient education methods
Hrčak ID:
14595
URI
Datum izdavanja:
1.9.2003.
Posjeta: 1.392 *