Demographic and clinical characteristics predictive of asthma diary use among women.
BACKGROUND
Current asthma guidelines encourage the use of an asthma diary for patients whose symptoms are not under control, who are being introduced to new treatments, or who need help in identifying environmental or occupational exposures. Despite the potential benefit of diaries in asthma management, gaps in the understanding of their use exist. Our objective was to identify demographic and clinical characteristics predictive of diary use by women with asthma as women patients predominate in asthma among adults and have higher rates of associated asthma management problems.


METHODS
Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the use of a structured asthma diary were examined using data collected from 424 women with asthma over 18 years of age taking part in a randomized controlled study. Data were analyzed using chi-square statistics and logistic regression. Data reported are for women randomized to the intervention arm (N = 424) who were assigned the diary as part of the educational intervention.


RESULTS
Older age (OR = 1.614; p < 0.05) and higher education (OR = 1.835; p < 0.05) were associated with diary use. More severe asthma (OR = 0.479; p < 0.01) and a history of smoking (OR = 0.495; p < 0.05) were associated with nonuse of the diary.


CONCLUSIONS
Both demographic and clinical characteristics are associated with asthma diary use. Clinicians and researchers should anticipate potential differences in use of an asthma diary according to demographic and/or clinical characteristics of female patients.
University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Melissa A
MA
Valerio
Edith A
EA
Parker
Mick P
MP
Couper
Cathleen M
CM
Connell
Nancy K
NK
Janz
D000328:Adult; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011336:Probability; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012646:Self Administration / Q000379:methods; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents