Table 1 Patient and physician factors that lead to overreliance on SABA-only relievers
Patient behaviors and perceptions that lead to overreliance on SABA-only relievers | Physician factors that contribute to overprescribing of SABA-only relievers | Other factors |
|---|---|---|
• Failure to understand that although SABA monotherapy might provide immediate symptom relief, it is associated with adverse outcomes in the long term as it does not treat the underlying inflammation • Reluctance to take the prescribed maintenance treatment during symptom-free periods • Cultural norms of “medicine sharing” and “doctor shopping,” which are common in the Gulf countries • Unwarranted fear of treatment side-effects | • Prioritizing patient preferences over adherence to clinical guidelines • Insufficient asthma management training • Therapeutic decisions influenced by treatment cost | • The dynamics of the doctor-patient relationship • High cost of maintenance treatment • Insurance coverage • Accessibility to medications |