Abstract:
Background: Asthma is a highly prevalent disease that presents commonly to the emergency
department in acute exacerbation. Globally it affects 5-10% of the total population and leads to
around 250,000 deaths each year globally in the last two decades. In Ethiopia according to a
report from Global Initiative for Asthma around 45% of them had had uncontrolled asthma.
There is a dearth of studies regarding the prevalence of bronchial asthma among adults who visit
emergency departments in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of bronchial asthma
among adult patients visiting the emergency department at Arba Minch General Hospital in
Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2024.
Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Arba Minch General Hospital
from December 15, 2023 – March 7, 2024, on 352 respondents. Respondents were selected using
simple random sampling Data were collected using pretested structured and interviewer
administered questionnaires. The collected data was coded, checked, and entered into Epidata
3.1. Then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used for
analysis. Possible associations and statistical significance between variables were measured
using crude and adjusted odds ratios, a 95% confidence interval, and a P-value.
Results: The overall prevalence of bronchial asthma was 16.2% (95% CI: 12.7% - 20.5%). The
age (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.01, 9.14), respondents with no formal education bronchial asthma
(AOR = 4.39; 95% CI: 1.80, 10.69), being urban resident (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.17, 4.56),
having family history of asthma (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.05, 4.03), as well as those with a
presence of pneumonia (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.01, 3.04), were found to increase the likelihood
of bronchial asthma.
Conclusion and recommendation: The study found that the prevalence of bronchial asthma
aligns with the global rates. Factors such as age, educational level, residency, family history of
asthma, and presence of pneumonia were identified as increasing the likelihood of bronchial
asthma. To prevent this condition, it is crucial to enhance patient awareness of minimizing
asthma-triggering factors through health education. Health professionals should provide
personalized treatment plans and offer guidance on proper inhaler use. It is recommended that
Arba Minch General Hospital's administrative bodies initiate community outreach programs and
establish multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, respondents should avoid triggers and ensure
correct inhaler usage
