Socio-demographic environmental and clinical factors influencing asthma control in community pharmacies of Lahore Pakistan

Asthma is a significant non-communicable disease affecting over 300 million people worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of socio-demographic, environmental, and clinical factors on asthma control among patients visiting community pharmacies in Lahore, Pakistan. A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted with 284 participants using a validated data collection tool. Data included demographics and potential confounders such as smoking, obesity, co-morbidities (e.g., allergic rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]), and adherence to treatment. Asthma control was classified into full, partial, and uncontrolled levels based on established guidelines. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were performed to identify significant predictors. The results indicated that 53.5% of participants were female, 74.6% were aged above 40 years, and 42.3% were obese. A family history of asthma was reported in 55.6% of participants, while smoking was prevalent in 77.1%. Clinical co-morbidities, such as allergic rhinitis (49.3%) and GERD (50.7%), were notable. Participants who adhered to treatment (62.3%) and engaged in daily exercise (59.5%) exhibited significantly better asthma control. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher education, rural residence, and the absence of obesity were positively associated with asthma control, whereas passive smoking and prolonged asthma history had a negative impact. This study underscores the multifaceted nature of asthma management and the importance of addressing socio-demographic, environmental, and clinical factors. Improved asthma outcomes require targeted interventions, including promoting adherence to treatment plans, encouraging physical activity, and minimizing exposure to smoking and environmental allergens. The findings highlight the need for community-centered strategies to enhance asthma control and reduce its public health burden, particularly in middle-income countries like Pakistan.