Self-care practice and associated factors among adult asthmatic patients on follow up care at public hospitals in East Wollega zone, West Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study, 2025.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess self-care practices and the factors associated with them among adult asthmatic patients receiving follow-up care at public hospitals in the East Wollega Zone of West Ethiopia in 2023. A cross-sectional study conducted in an institutional setting. The research was carried out in government hospitals, including two primary hospitals, one general hospital and two comprehensive specialised hospitals, from 29 May to 29 July 2023. A systematic random sample of 413 adult asthmatic patients undergoing follow-up care at public hospitals in the East Wollega zone was selected. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire, which was then entered into Epidata V.4.6 and analysed using SPSS V.27. The primary outcome measure was the classification of asthma self-care practices as either good or poor. The findings revealed that 51.6% (95% CI: 46.7% to 56.4%) of participants exhibited good asthma self-care practices. Significant factors associated with good self-care included the absence of comorbidities (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.0, 95% CI: 1.26 to 3.10), non-consumption of alcohol (AOR 4.33, 95% CI: 2.52 to 7.44), non-smoking status (AOR 6.67, 95% CI: 2.46 to 18.1) and the presence of social support (AOR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.00 to 2.48). The study found a relatively high prevalence of good asthma self-care practices among participants. Key factors positively associated with these practices included the absence of comorbidities, non-consumption of alcohol and tobacco and strong social support. It is recommended that public hospitals and healthcare management implement strategies to promote behavioural changes and enhance self-care education aimed at reducing asthma exacerbation triggers.