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Trends in childhood asthma: prevalence, health care utilization, and mortality

Lara J Akinbami1, Kenneth C Schoendorf

  • 1Infant and Child Health Studies Branch, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. lakinbami@cdc.gov

Pediatrics
|August 8, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Childhood asthma prevalence increased significantly from 1980-1996, with recent data suggesting a plateau. Significant racial disparities persist in childhood asthma care and mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood asthma represents a significant public health concern in the United States.
  • Understanding trends in prevalence, healthcare utilization, and mortality is crucial for effective disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively describe trends in childhood asthma prevalence, healthcare utilization, and mortality.
  • To assess changes in the overall disease burden among US children.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized national data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) from 1980 to the most recent available year.
  • Included data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, National Hospital Discharge Survey, and the NVSS Mortality Component.
  • Analyzed trends for children aged 0 to 17 years.

Main Results:

  • Asthma prevalence rose 4.3% annually from 1980-1996 (3.6% to 6.2%).
  • Office visits and hospitalization rates increased, while mortality rates rose 3.4% annually from 1980-1998.
  • Black children experienced disproportionately higher rates of hospitalization and mortality compared to white children.

Conclusions:

  • Recent data indicate a potential plateau in childhood asthma burden after years of increase, requiring further data for confirmation.
  • Significant racial and ethnic disparities in asthma healthcare utilization and mortality persist among US children.
Abstract

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