Asthma Control among Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Asthma is a condition caused by chronic lower airway inflammation. The primary treatment is to manage asthma and reduce the frequency of exacerbation episodes. Monitoring the level of asthma control among adults is crucial for both clinical and public health purposes. Purpose: This systematic review aimed to measure the level of asthma control among adults in Saudi Arabia and understand the prevalence of controlled asthma among Saudi adults. Methods: Search engines included PubMed. We included all English-language, empirical quantitative papers that explored the prevalence of Saudi adults whose asthma was controlled. The quality of identified studies was evaluated using the NIH Study Quality Assessment Tools. This study is registered with PROSPERO (#CRD42024484711). Results: The literature search identified 107 eligible studies, and upon assessing them, only 17 studies met our inclusion criteria. Among these 17 studies, 16 were cross-sectional studies, and only one was qualitative. The review found variability in asthma control in Saudi Arabia. Studies were assessed using quality evaluation instruments, with 11 studies being good, 5 fair, and 1 poor. Conclusions: Asthma control among adults in Saudi Arabia remains a public health concern. Despite available treatments and guidelines, many patients struggle with poor control due to limited awareness, medication non-adherence, socio-economic factors, and environmental triggers. A multifaceted approach— including patient education, regular follow-ups with PFTs, tailored treatment plans, and public health efforts to reduce allergen exposure—is essential. Strengthening primary care and implementing national asthma programs can improve outcomes. Continued research in this field is recommended