What is the cognitive function status and associated factors among adult patients with asthma in northwest Ethiopia? A multicentre hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Asthma affects over 300 million people worldwide and is often accompanied by night-time symptoms that disrupt sleep and contribute to cognitive deficits. Despite growing recognition of these interrelated burdens, data from low-resource settings are scarce. This study addresses this gap by assessing the burden of cognitive dysfunction among adult patients with asthma in northwest Ethiopia. An institution-based multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 June to 30 August 2024. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit 635 adult asthmatic patients. Data were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires and medical record reviews. Data were entered into EpiData V.3.1 and analysed using Stata V.14.0. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of impaired cognitive function at p value<0.05. Of 635 participants, 209 (32.9%) had impaired cognitive function. In multivariable analysis, factors significantly associated with cognitive impairment included male sex (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.51; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.23) and poor sleep quality (AOR=4.43; 95% CI 2.82 to 6.95). A significant proportion of adult patients with asthma experienced cognitive impairment, which was strongly associated with poor sleep quality and male sex, suggesting asthma's broader systemic impact. Routine screening for sleep and cognitive function should be part of asthma care. Future prospective studies are recommended to better understand causal relationships.