Severe Asthma Patient Research: The Patients’ experience living with Severe Asthma in Greece

OBJECTIVE:

Severe Asthma (SA) is a complex and heterogeneous disease with major public health implications affecting the lives of millions of people, causing a significant burden on patients' quality of life (QoL) and daily routine. This research aimed to understand the patients’ perspective living with SA in Greece.

MATERIAL-METHOD:

A quantitative descriptive study was conducted from June 2021 to August 2022 and the final sample consisted of 162 SA patients. The questionnaire was completed online (CAWI). Patient-reported outcomes were reported coming from patients about how they feel or function in relation to their disease and therapy.

RESULTS:

The majority of SA patients was women, aged 35-54; as indicated by participants, half of patients received biologic treatment. Approximately 40% of patients expressed neutral or poor/very poor stance towards perceived QoL; SA has mostly affected aspects of their life concerning the ability to complete everyday chores (92%), quality of sleep (91%) and feeling optimism for the future (91%). A greater percentage of patients on biologics compared to those not on biologics reported no influence of SA on their mental health (36% vs 13%), no stress considering the possibility of exacerbations (34% vs 13%) and no influence of SA on their self confidence and optimism for the future (36% vs 19%). Cough/Phlegm was the most frequent symptom reported by more than 1/3 of patients followed by Dyspnea/Shortness of breath; patients not receiving biologics reported higher frequency of all symptoms compared to those receiving biologics. Reduction of exacerbations and discontinuation of cortisone were the most important considerations for SA patients in assessing control of their asthma.

CONCLUSION:

Severe Asthma is associated with a significant burden due to excessive symptoms and affected QoL aspects, as perceived by patients. Patients with SA on biologics are less stressed with greater optimism compared to patients not on biologics.