A36-07 Empowering Patients Through Asthma Education: Results From a Nationwide Literacy-based Campaign

Abstract Rationale Asthma, a highly prevalent chronic condition, requires patients to understand their disease and develop the skills necessary for effective self-management. However, limited health literacy remains one of the main barriers to achieving adequate disease control. This study aimed to promote asthma literacy and enhance self-management skills through an educational approach that provides individualized feedback. Methods This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design and included individuals with self-reported asthma who participated in a national educational initiative in Brazil, aligned with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), and launched on World Asthma Day. The participants completed an electronic survey (JotForm) assessing disease control according to GINA criteria, as well as symptoms, risks, and treatable traits. After completing the survey, each participant received an illustrated, plain-language personalized report with tailored educational recommendations. Supporting materials, including videos, infographics, an e-book, and an action plan, were also provided. The investigation is integrated into a larger research protocol that was previously reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Board (approval number 4.895.038). Results A total of 788 individuals with asthma participated, including 476 adults and caregivers of 312 children/adolescents, with a predominance of females (67.8%). Participants received individualized reports based on GINA guidelines and their responses, covering comorbidities, overweight/obesity, smoking, spirometry, use of spacers and action plans, and adherence to maintenance therapy. Although 70.7% reported being aware of asthma and its risks, only 55.9% adhered to maintenance treatment. Regarding asthma control, only 10% had controlled asthma, 34% had partially controlled asthma, and 56% had uncontrolled asthma. In the past year, 171 participants were hospitalized due to asthma. Among all participants, 34.3% were obese and 24.9% overweight. Only 9.9% reported no comorbidities, and 16.8% reported tobacco exposure. Alarmingly, 60% had never undergone spirometry, 72.1% did not use an action plan, and 75.4% did not use or were unaware of spacers. Conclusions This large-scale educational initiative revealed significant gaps in asthma knowledge, disease control, and adherence to treatment among Brazilian patients. The high rates of uncontrolled asthma, lack of spirometry, and limited use of action plans highlight the urgent need for accessible, evidence-based educational interventions. Delivering individualized feedback and educational materials proved to be an effective strategy to engage patients and raise awareness about self-management practices. Expanding such initiatives within the Brazilian Unified Health System could play a key role in improving asthma literacy, enhancing disease control, and ultimately reducing preventable hospitalizations and health costs. This abstract is funded by: This research was supported by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development - CNPq, the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Communications, and the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development - FNDCT – (Grant CNPq 16/2024; Grant CNPq/MCTI/FNDCT 18/2021 – UNIVERSAL). This study was also financed in part by the Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance code 001 and by the Empresa Brasileira de Serviços Hospitalares (Ebserh).