Asthma control among asthmatic children during COVID-19 pandemic: a single center experience

Abstract Background Asthma is a common public health problem around the world. Its prevalence has increased considerably over the past decades. In December 2019, a novel coronavirus emerged, COVID-19; global restrictive measures were taken by the governments all over the world, including lockdown, stay-home measures, and social distancing. COVID-19 infection and these restrictive measures were supposed to have an impact on asthma control, patients’ compliance, and adherence to medication. Aim To assess the degree of asthma control among children attending Alexandria University Children’s Hospital Asthma Clinic (AUCH) in Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 asthmatic children attending the Asthma Clinic of Alexandria University Children’s Hospital between October 2020 and July 2021. Compliance to medication and follow-up was assessed using a predesigned questionnaire, while the level of asthma control was assessed using the GINA asthma control score. Results There was a reduction in the number of visits to the asthma clinic during the lockdown (43%) compared to the same time of the year before the lockdown (67%). As regards the level of asthma control, 67% of patients remained controlled, 24% partially controlled, and 9% uncontrolled. Conclusion Although a reduction in attendance to asthma clinic follow-up during the lockdown measures was observed, most of the patients remained controlled and compliant with medications during the lockdown.