Physicians' assessment of asthma control in low vs. high asthma-related morbidity regions

Objectives: To analyze physician-assessed asthma control and care compared with current guidelines criteria, in a cohort of patients from a high (HMR) vs. low asthma-related morbidity region (LMR), as determined by a large-scale populational survey (asthma cartography). Design: Analysis of questionnaires provided by 47 primary care physicians and asthmatic patients (HMR: 74; LMR: 73). Results: Asthma control was often suboptimal in both regions. In both regions, asthma control, the pattern of prescriptions for asthma, patient compliance, and referral for asthma education were similar; 32% of patients had been referred for asthma education, whereas 65% wanted to know more about their asthma. Conclusions: Results of regional/local cohort studies differ from those of a "population cartography," the former probably more likely reflecting individual medical practices of physicians interested in taking part in such studies.