Evaluating the Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors Contributing to Asthma Disparities in the US

This study published in The Journal of Asthma examines the factors associated with asthma prevalence and asthma attacks in the US, revealing that certain demographics and socioeconomic factors contribute to higher rates of asthma, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions. 

Researchers used data from the 2019-2021 National Health Interview Survey for children (0–17 years) and adults (18 years and over) and analyzed it using multivariable logistic regression models. They examined the associations between health outcomes (current asthma and asthma attacks) and demographic and socioeconomic factors. The models accounted for age, sex, and race/ethnicity in adults, and sex and race/ethnicity in children, while analyzing each health outcome.  

Children more likely to have asthma were male, Black, had parents with less than a bachelor's degree, or had public health insurance. Adults with a higher prevalence of asthma had less than a bachelor's degree, did not own a home, or were not in the workforce.  

Families facing difficulty paying medical bills were associated with a higher likelihood of current asthma and asthma attacks in both children and adults. Additionally, individuals with family incomes below the federal poverty threshold or adults with incomes between 100-199% of the threshold were more likely to have asthma. 

“Asthma affects certain groups disproportionately,” said researchers. “The findings of this paper suggesting asthma disparities continue to persist may increase public health programs awareness to better deliver effective and evidence-based interventions.” 

Reference 

Pate CA, Qin X, Johnson C, et al. Asthma disparities among U.S. children and adults. Journal of Asthma. 2023;60(12):2214-2223. doi: 10.1080/02770903.2023.2228915