Asthma control and associated risk factors among adults with current asthma: Findings from 2019 behavioral risk factor surveillance system asthma call-back survey

Background: Despite the availability of effective treatments, many adults with asthma have uncontrolled asthma. Uncontrolled asthma can lead to severe exacerbations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of uncontrolled asthma among adults (≥18 years) with current asthma in the United States. Methods: We analyzed the 2019 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System Asthma Call-Back Survey data from 27 states. Asthma control status was classified as “well-controlled” or “uncontrolled” according to the National Asthma Education and Prevention guidelines. The study population consisted of 7937 adults (weighted n = 13,793,220) with current asthma. We used multivariable logistic regression models to identify predictors of uncontrolled asthma. Results: Overall, 62 % of adults with asthma reported having uncontrolled asthma, and 26 % had emergency or urgent care visits or hospitalizations in the past year. Potentially modifiable risk factors associated with uncontrolled asthma included cost barriers to asthma-related healthcare (OR = 2.94; 95%CI 1.96–4.40), complementary and alternative medicine use (OR = 1.84; 95%CI 1.45–2.32), current smoking (OR = 2.25; 95%CI 1.48–3.44), obesity (OR = 1.39; 95%CI 1.02–1.89), COPD (OR = 1.98; 95%CI 1.43–2.74), depression (OR = 1.47; 95%CI 1.16–1.88), fair/poor general health (OR = 1.54; 95%CI 1.14–2.07), household income <$15,000 (OR = 2.59; 95%CI 1.42–4.71), and less than high school education (OR = 2.59; 95%CI 1.42–4.71). Non-modifiable risk factor was Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 1.73; 95%CI 1.09–2.73). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that uncontrolled asthma is common among adults and can be impacted by several factors. Effective asthma control programs are needed to improve asthma management and reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization.