Self-reported satisfaction of patients receiving omalizumab for severe allergic asthma in Malta

Treatment satisfaction is of utmost importance for ensuring adherence. Omalizumab is administered long-term if effective and well-tolerated in a hospital setting. The aim was to evaluate treatment satisfaction with omalizumab in Malta and to identify factors that may influence patients' satisfaction. A questionnaire was distributed to all asthmatic adult patients receiving omalizumab for at least one year. The questionnaire included demographic data, dosing regimen, asthma control test and the 14-item English version of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) Version 1.4. The TSQM 1.4 domain scores range from 0 to 100. Higher scores represent higher satisfaction. Our cohort included 33 patients (52% males), mean age 53.7 ± 11 years, mean baseline IgE level 510.6IU/ml, mean duration of treatment 3.8 ± 1.98 years and mean number of injections per month 4.6 ± 2.6. Median TSQM scores were as follows: graded effectiveness 78%, graded side effects 100%, graded convenience 74.2% and overall satisfaction 76%. Regression analysis showed that convenience score, effectiveness score and ACT score were significantly associated with global satisfaction. Global satisfaction scored high among the Maltese cohort of patients despite the inconvenience and side effects associated with receiving omalizumab. This is an add-on beneficial effect to the efficacy and effectiveness already been achieved with this medication.