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Trends in the hospitalization for acute childhood asthma, 1970-84
Insights
Childhood asthma hospitalizations rose 145% from 1970-1984, while average stays decreased. Asthma prevalence in children also increased by 28% during a similar period.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood asthma presents a significant public health concern.
- Trends in childhood asthma prevalence and hospitalization require ongoing monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in childhood asthma hospitalizations and length of stay.
- To examine the changes in childhood asthma prevalence over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Hospital Discharge Surveys (1970-1984).
- Analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (1970-1980).
Main Results:
- Hospitalization rates for children under 15 with asthma increased by at least 145%.
- Average length of stay for pediatric asthma hospitalizations decreased by 26% (from 5 to 3.6 days).
- Childhood asthma prevalence (ages 6-16) increased by approximately 28% between 1970 and 1980.
Conclusions:
- Significant increases in childhood asthma hospitalizations and prevalence were observed.
- Decreased length of hospital stay may reflect changes in management or admission criteria.
- Further research is needed to understand the contributing factors to these trends.
Abstract:
Data from the 1970 through 1984 National Hospital Discharge Surveys indicate that the rate of hospitalization for children under 15 years old with asthma has increased at least 145 per cent while the average length of stay for children with asthma decreased by 26 per cent from 5 days in 1970 to 3.6 days in 1984. Over an analogous period (1970 to 1980), data from the National Health Interview Survey indicate that the prevalence of childhood asthma has increased by approximately 28 per cent for children 6 to 16 years of age. Several potential explanations for the hospital trend are discussed, including changes in the disease classification and information system, criteria for admission, organizational factors, changes in therapy, and changes in morbidity.