Magnitude, risk factors and treatment outcomes of acute exacerbation of Bronchial Asthma among adult patients visiting to Emergency Department of SPHMMC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Asthma is a long-term lung condition that causes airway inflammation. Many acute exacerbation asthma attacks can be avoided with proper treatment. Poorly controlled asthma can lead to emergency department visits and hospitalizations. This places a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems. To improve healthcare planning, management, and prevention, regular assessment on the frequency and causes of emergency room visits due to asthma is crucial. This can help reduce healthcare costs, illnesses, and deaths, ultimately leading to a healthier and more productive population. Objective: To assess the magnitude, risk factors, treatment outcomes of acute exacerbations of bronchial asthma among adult patients visiting the SPHMMC ED. Methods: A descriptive institutional based retrospective cross sectional study was conducted in the adult emergency department of St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. Socio- demographic, clinical and treatment related data were collected from HMIS record and then from personal health records of patients, who visited adult emergency room from September 1, 2024 to September 1, 2025. Finally, the data were analyzed by using STATA Version 17 statistical software. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the risk factors for the outcomes of asthma exacerbation and P-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. The results were presented in text, tables and graphs. Results; A total of 277 patients were included, of whom 161 (58.1%) were female. The mean age was 48.8 ± 16.7 years. The magnitude of acute exacerbation was 3.6%, and 96% of patients had a good treatment outcome. Infection as a triggering factor was associated with a more than four-fold increase in the odds of severe exacerbation (AOR = 4.36; 95% CI: 1.27–14.93; p = 0.019). Each unit increase in respiratory rate was associated with a 9% increase in the odds of severe exacerbation (AOR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.04–1.15; p = 0.001). Conclusion; Infections and poor adherence remain key modifiable risk factors. Early recognition, infection prevention, and adherence to guideline-based therapy can improve outcomes and reduce severe cases. Keywords: acute exacerbation, Risk factor, treatment outcome, SPHMCC