title: Control of asthma in the Maghreb: results of the AIRMAG study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The goal of asthma management is to achieve disease control, defined. as the ability to lead a normal life with normal pulmonary function. However, many epidemiological surveys have demonstrated that asthma control is unacceptable in the majority of patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate asthma control in 624 adults with asthma in the Maghreb, participating in the AIRMAG survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  As part of a general population survey of asthma in the Maghreb conducted by structured telephone interview, information was obtained on asthma control and treatment. Control was determined with the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and using an algorithm based on the GINA control guidelines.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean ACT score was 16.6 +/- 4.6, corresponding to uncontrolled asthma. Asthma was uncontrolled (ACT score <or=19) in 71.3% of subjects and optimally controlled (ACT score = 25) in 3.7%. Using the GINA-based algorithm, asthma was uncontrolled in 50.9% and controlled in 7.6%. Asthma control differed between countries, being best in Tunisia and worst in Morocco (p = 0.004). Only 163 subjects (26.1%) were receiving a recommended prophylactic treatment (inhaled corticosteroids alone or in association with long-acting beta-agonists). Other factors associated with asthma control were educational level, asthma perceptions and frequency of physician consultations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Asthma control is unacceptably poor in the Maghreb. This could be changed by improved access to appropriate treatments, more proactive patient follow-up and better patient education.
authors.affiliation: Ariana Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Benkheder
authors.forename: Hend
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bouacha
authors.forename: Salim
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nafti
authors.forename: Samya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taright
authors.forename: Mustapha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: El Ftouh
authors.forename: Najiba
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yassine
authors.forename: Hachemi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fakhfakh
authors.forename: Moufida
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ali-Khoudja
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Texier
authors.forename: Abdelkader
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: El Hasnaoui
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000352:Africa, Northern / Q000453:epidemiology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents