In two countries with Western lifestyles, similar health systems, and similar prevalence of asthma, researchers noted differences in treatment costs and treatment efficacy for asthma, despite comparable results.
More than 3,000 randomly selected asthma participants in Australia and New Zealand completed an online survey of asthma symptom control, medication use, and doctor visits over a one-year period. Although more expensive drugs have been used extensively in Australia, similar treatment results have been observed in New Zealand, where there is increased use of cheaper drugs and better adherence.
These results highlight the complexity of the factors that contribute to the prescription and use of asthma medications in the community.