Asthma Symptoms, Control, and Pregnancy Outcomes Among Pregnant Women in Kassala, Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate asthma symptoms, triggering factors, disease control, severity, and pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women with asthma in Kassala, Sudan. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study that included pregnant women diagnosed with asthma at Kassala Women and Obstetrics Hospital, in the Sudan, from June to December 2024. The data were obtained through a structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 26. Descriptive and inferential statistical measures were used with a p value of less than or equal to 0.05 deemed statistically significant. Results: A total of 50 pregnant women with asthma were included in the study. Shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, and wheezing were the most frequently reported symptoms. More than half of the participants reported worsening of asthma symptoms during pregnancy. Smoking exposure and air pollution were the most commonly reported triggering factors. Although 72.0% of participants reported regular asthma treatment, only 22.0% achieved well-controlled asthma, while 50.0% had uncontrolled disease. Asthma exacerbations during pregnancy were common, and poor pregnancy outcomes were significantly associated with older maternal age, recent asthma diagnosis, and depression or anxiety. Conclusion: The study population showed that asthma during pregnancy was associated with poor control of symptoms, high rates of exacerbations and significant levels of exposure to environmental triggering factors. Early diagnosis, regular monitoring, improved treatment adherence, and multidisciplinary care may contribute to improved maternal and fetal outcomes among pregnant women with asthma.