Morbidity in older people with self-reported asthma

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease.
• Older adults represent a growing population with unique health challenges.
• Understanding the impact of asthma on this demographic is crucial for healthcare planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare physical and psychological morbidity in older adults with and without self-reported asthma.
• To determine if asthma is associated with increased medication use and hospital service utilization in the elderly.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted on a population-based random sample of 2818 individuals aged 65 years and over in South Wales.
• Data collected included self-reported asthma prevalence, disability, anxiety, depression, memory, mobility, and healthcare utilization (prescribed medications, hospital services).

Main Results:

• 8% of older adults reported asthma, with no significant differences by sex, age group, or social class.
• Asthma was significantly associated with higher rates of severe physical disability (29% vs 16%), mobility limitations (7% vs 4%), anxiety (37% vs 20%), depression (19% vs 10%), and poorer perceived health status (23% vs 9%).
• Individuals with asthma used more prescribed medications (seven or more: 13% vs 4%) and had higher inpatient (P < 0.0001) and outpatient (P < 0.05) hospital service use.

Conclusions:

• Older adults with self-reported asthma exhibit substantially greater psychological and physical morbidity.
• Asthma in older populations is linked to poorer perceived health and increased healthcare resource consumption.
• These findings highlight the significant burden of asthma on the elderly and the need for targeted interventions.