Asthma Control, Sleep Quality and Physical Activity among Patients with Asthma in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Global asthma network has Sri Lanka marked as one of the highest prevalence countries. Physical activity and quality sleep has been shown to produce health benefits to adults with asthma; however, the association between physical activity, sleep quality and asthma control is unknown. The aims of the study were to determine: the level of asthma control, physical activity, sleep quality and its associations amongst adults with asthma. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 patients diagnosed with asthma attending to chest clinics at Colombo South Teaching Hospital (CSTH) and Base Hospital, Homagama. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to determine baseline data. Asthma control was assessed using Asthma Control Test and lung function tests (spirometry/PEFR). Airway inflammation was measured using Fraction of exhaled NO analyzer (FeNO). Sleep quality was determined by using the Pittsburg Sleeping Quality Index and physical activity level was determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. 60% were females. The mean PEFR, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and FeNO were 192.54±78.50 L/min, 1.42±0.51 L, 2.07±0.56 L, 0.67±0.14%, 18.47±16.01 ppb. only 33.33% had controlled asthma. ACT scores of males was significantly higher than of females (p =0.035). 64.4% of patients had deficient sleep quality. The level of Physical activity was moderate at 43.33% and low at 38.89%. Although there was a significant association between sleep quality and asthma control (p=0.000) and it was a positive correlation (p=0.000). Physical activity is also significantly associated with asthma control (p=0.001). It was a positive correlation between (p=0.030) them. There was an association between sleep quality, physical activity and asthma control. Sleep quality is a marker of asthma control and affects the health status of asthma patients.  Physical activity is a possible protective factor against the development of episodes of asthma.