A RESEARCH THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES OF ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER IN ADULT HEALTH NURSING

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