Asthma control is associated with economic outcomes, work productivity and health-related quality of life in patients with asthma

Background: The objective of this analysis was to examine the association between asthma control (based on Asthma Control Test (ACT) responses) and healthcare resource utilisation (HRU), work productivity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among a nationwide sample of US adults with a self-reported diagnosis of asthma and without comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methods: Data were obtained from the 2015 and 2016 self-administered, internet-based National Health and Wellness Surveys. Patients were grouped by ACT score (≤15: poorly controlled; 16-19: partly controlled; 20-25: well-controlled asthma). Study outcomes included HRU (patient-reported healthcare provider visits, emergency department visits and hospitalisations during the previous 6 months); work productivity, measured using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-General Health Scale; HRU-associated costs and work productivity loss and HRQoL, measured using EuroQoL-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) and the Short Form Health Survey-36V.2 (SF-36V.2). Incremental differences in outcomes between groups were assessed using generalised linear models adjusted for covariates.

Results: Of 7820 eligible adults, 17.4% had poorly controlled, 20.1% partly controlled and 62.5% well-controlled asthma. Well-controlled asthma was associated with significantly lower HRU (p<0.001) and lower mean direct costs ($6012 vs $8554 and $15 262, respectively; p<0.001); well-controlled asthma was also associated with significantly lower mean scores for work absenteeism, work presenteeism, overall work impairment and activity impairment (all p<0.001), and lower mean indirect costs ($6353 vs $10 448 and $14 764, respectively; p<0.001). Clinically meaningful differences favouring well-controlled asthma were seen for all HRQoL measures, with statistically significantly higher adjusted mean EQ-5D-5L index and SF-6D Health Utilities Index scores (derived from SF-36V.2) for patients with well-controlled asthma compared with partly controlled or poorly controlled asthma (p<0.001).

Conclusions: The study demonstrates a clear relationship between asthma control and its impact on HRU, costs, work productivity and HRQoL. This will allow for better identification and management of patients with poorly controlled asthma.