Assessment of Asthma Management among Children in Benin Hospitals

Introduction: Asthma is the most common chronic diseases in children. Its diagnosis and management are still poorly implemented in Benin.

Objective: Assess the management of asthma in children aged six to 18 years according to GINA 2002 criteria in three university teaching hospitals located in the city of Cotonou.

Patients and methods: The research work was a case control study with assessment purpose; it was conducted from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015.

Results: A total of 115 asthmatic children were identified, i.e. a hospital-based frequency of 0.2%. Sex ratio was 1.5 and male predominance was noted. Asthma was diagnosed based on clinic symptoms and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) values (peak flow data measurement) in 60.9% of patients.  Asthma attack was classified according to GINA criteria in 33.3% of patients and severity sought in 67.8% of cases. The dose of inhaled corticosteroids was compliant with treatment guidelines in 66.1% of children. Follow-up was ensured on a regular basis and adapted to asthma severity in 60.9% of children and 70% of them had a controlled asthma.

Conclusion: In the pediatric units of CNHU-HKM and CHU-MEL university teaching hospitals, children with asthma were provided care only during attacks. At CNHU-PP they were adequately followed up and their asthma was controlled in 70% of cases.