Factors associated with hospitalization among asthma patients in a rural area: A community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: There are many factors which can increase the risk of hospitalization among asthma cases. Severe and acute attack of asthma leads to hospitalization. This hospitalization is preventable, but if the risk factors are not managed properly, it is difficult to prevent it. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the factors associated with hospitalization among asthma patients in a rural community. Materials and Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural area among 75 cases of asthma. Sociodemographic variables, anthropometry, and comorbidities were recorded. Self-reported cases of asthma from the community were referred to the hospital, and the diagnosis of asthma was confirmed using the standard protocols. Results: The majority were more than 50 years (65.3%). Females (53.3%) were slightly more than males. The majority (34.6%) were obese. 93.3% had use of liquefied petroleum gas in their house and 86.7% had a smoke outlet in kitchen. Multiple addictions to smoking, tobacco, and alcohol were seen in 20%. 48% were exposed to passive smoking. The most common symptom present was breathlessness on exertion in 69.3%. The most common comorbidity was hypertension in 26.7%. Inhaler use was present in 29.3%, and among them, metered-dose inhaler was used by 59.1%. Nearly 90.9% were trained for inhaler use. 37.3% had acute exacerbation of asthma. 18.7% of them required hospitalization in the past 3 months. Among the risk factors studied, only the use of inhaler was significantly associated with hospitalization ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The asthma patients in the present study were elderly, female, obese, and with comorbidities. A significant proportion of them were hospitalized for acute exacerbation of asthma. Inhaler use was associated with the risk of hospitalization.