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Published on: November 4, 2010
Asthma medication use in school-aged children.
Li Yan Wang1, Yuna Zhong, Lani Wheeler
1Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. lgw0@cdc.gov
Summary
Controller medication use for childhood asthma is often inadequate, with underuse common in younger, Black, and Hispanic children. Improved asthma management strategies are crucial for these vulnerable pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Persistent asthma affects a significant number of school-aged children.
- Controller medications are essential for long-term asthma management.
- Understanding medication use patterns is key to improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utilization of controller medications among children with persistent asthma.
- To identify demographic disparities in controller medication use.
- To evaluate the prevalence of controller nonuse and reliever overuse.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the 1996, 1998, and 2000 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.
- Identification of children aged 5–17 with persistent asthma based on Health Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS) criteria.
- Assessment of controller medication purchasing patterns and reliever medication use.
Main Results:
- Nonuse of controller medications and overuse of reliever medications were frequently observed.
- Controller medications were significantly underutilized in younger children.
- Disparities in controller medication access were noted for Black and Hispanic children, as well as white children of highly educated mothers.
Conclusions:
- Current childhood asthma management practices show significant gaps in controller medication adherence.
- Targeted interventions are necessary to address underuse, particularly among minority and younger pediatric populations.
- Further efforts are required to ensure equitable and effective asthma control for all children.
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