GHR (Global Health Research) Project:17/63/38 - NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) Global Health Research Group on Improving Asthma Outcomes in African Children at Queen Mary University of London

Asthma prevalence in young people has been rising in several African countries during the last decade, reaching between 10% and 20% in Central Africa, and up to 20% in South Africa. In addition, asthma related mortality in many African countries is high. South Africa has the third highest asthma related mortality rate in the world. Yet to date, a lack of asthma research and research infrastructure means that we do not have the evidence to either inform advocacy or to develop interventions that improve asthma outcomes.

This study aims to collect data about asthma prevalence and to identify existing barriers to effective asthma management of young people in 6 sub-Saharan countries: Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria. Each of these countries identifies 500 young people with asthma between 12 and 16 years of age through a screening questionnaire in schools. These 3000 young people with asthma symptoms fill in a survey about asthma, including questions around asthma control, current treatment and access to care, asthma knowledge, asthma attitudes, smoking and environmental influences. Some of the participants also discuss asthma related topics in focus groups. A subset of the participants furthermore do Spirometry and FeNO testing. In addition to the data collection, the study develops and tests options for an intervention aimed at improving asthma control, including the adaption of a United Kingdom - based theater play about asthma awareness. The development of WiFi infrastructure and IT solutions is promoted by the study, where appropriate.