Type 2 inflammation respiratory conditions have significant impact on anxiety and overall wellbeing in adults: an international survey

Rationale: There is a growing interest in developing approaches that reduce the impact of Type 2 inflammatory (T2I) conditions such as asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) on wellbeing. An aim of our international survey was to understand the impact of disease on people living in different countries. Methods: Using Survey Monkey, 1847 consented respondents aged 18 or older with a diagnosis of asthma (73%) and/or CRSwNP (44%) were surveyed [US (n=539), Canada (165), the UK (n=156), Spain (n=147), France (n=209), Germany (n=174), Japan (n=281) and Italy (n=176)]. Results: Off 1847 respondents, 804 (43%) reported CRSwNP (311 comorbid asthma) and many were cared for by primary care clinicians (mostly those with asthma: 77%). When asked about using biologics for their condition; 41% reported use in the past 12 months. Impact: 429/1181 respondents (36%) reported it to be difficult or very difficult for them to manage their disease. Most reported thinking often about their condition (19% daily, 42% at least once a week). When asked how asthma and/or nasal polyps impact daily activities and how they worry about the disease, 1604 survey participants who responded reported an impact on their lives, with the most common impact being anxiety (44%), then exercise capacity (41%), adequate sleep (37%), ability to work/attend school (34%), family/other relationships (28%), social activities (22%), and travel (19%). When assessed by country, anxiety was more common in Spain and the UK (Figure). In addition, >=40% of respondents in the U.S., France, Italy, and Canada also reported anxiety. Conclusion: The study raises awareness of hidden emotional and personal burden from both the disease and treatments. Beyond the goal of achieving clinical disease control for T2I diseases, a holistic approach to care delivery should include culturally appropriate emotional health support to address anxiety and improve overall wellbeing. Funding: The survey was funded by GAAPP, supported by an educational grant from GSK. GAAPP led the study design, implementation, analysis and reporting. All authors engaged in the review and interpretation of the data.