Risk factors for hospitalization in rural asthma patients

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Created On: 26/09/2025

This community-based cross-sectional study sought to identify the factors linked to hospitalization among asthma patients living in a rural setting.

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Key take away

Most asthma patients are elderly, obese females with comorbidities, primarily reporting exertional breathlessness. Inhaler use is the only factor significantly linked with hospitalization for acute exacerbations.

Background

This community-based cross-sectional study sought to identify the factors linked to hospitalization among asthma patients living in a rural setting.

Method

This study was conducted in a rural area involving 75 individuals diagnosed with asthma. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and coexisting medical ailments. Individuals who self-reported asthma were referred for hospital-based confirmation via standardized diagnostic criteria.

Result

Most volunteers were above 50 years of age (65.3%), and females (53.3%) slightly outnumbered males. Obesity was observed in 34.6% of the subjects. A large proportion (93.3%) used liquefied petroleum gas at home, and 86.7% had a kitchen smoke outlet. About 20% reported multiple substance use, including smoking, tobacco, and alcohol, while 48% were exposed to secondhand smoke.

The most frequently reported symptom was exertional breathlessness (69.3%). Hypertension emerged as the most prevalent comorbidity (26.7%). Inhaler use was reported by 29.3%, with 59.1% of them using a metered-dose inhaler. Among those using inhalers, 90.9% had received training. Acute asthma exacerbations occurred in 37.3% of cases, and 18.7% had been hospitalized in the preceding 3 months. Inhaler use was the only factor found to have a statistically significant connection with hospitalization (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The asthma population largely consisted of older, female, and obese individuals with additional comorbidities. A notable percentage experienced acute exacerbations requiring hospitalization. Use of inhalers was considerably linked to the likelihood of hospitalization.