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Looking beyond urban/rural differences: emergency department utilization by asthmatic children
Jon Mark Hirshon1, Sheila R Weiss, Robert LoCasale
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, MD, USA. jhirs001@umaryland.edu
Summary
Pediatric asthma emergency visits vary by geography within Maryland. Wealthier suburban areas showed higher asthma risks, while rural counties had fewer emergency department visits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asthma is a significant cause of pediatric illness across the United States.
- Considerable regional differences exist in asthma prevalence and healthcare utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate geographic variations in pediatric asthma emergency department (ED) visits within a single state.
- To identify specific demographic or geographic factors associated with higher ED utilization for pediatric asthma.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of non-neonatal pediatric patient records (under 18 years) from Maryland EDs.
- Data collected from April 1997 to March 2001.
- Statistical analysis using adjusted odds ratios to compare asthma ED visit risks across different regions.
Main Results:
- Baltimore City recorded the highest raw rates of asthma-related ED visits.
- The wealthiest suburban county exhibited a statistically higher risk for pediatric asthma ED visits.
- Children residing in most rural counties generally had lower rates of ED asthma visits compared to urban and suburban counterparts.
Conclusions:
- Geographic variability in pediatric asthma emergency care needs is evident within Maryland.
- Socioeconomic factors, particularly in suburban areas, may influence asthma ED visit rates.
- Targeted public health interventions may be necessary to address disparities in pediatric asthma care across different regions.
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