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Income level and asthma prevalence and care patterns
1Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Summary
Respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis were more common in lower-income Manitobans. These findings highlight socioeconomic disparities in respiratory health and healthcare access.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Manitoba's universal healthcare system allows individual-level tracking of health events.
- Socioeconomic status is a known determinant of health outcomes.
- Previous research suggests disparities in respiratory health across income levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma, bronchitis, and airways obstruction (total respiratory morbidity) in Winnipeg.
- To investigate the relationship between average family income quintiles and respiratory morbidity.
- To analyze age-specific and income-related trends in respiratory conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of physician contacts and hospitalizations in Winnipeg for 1988 and 1992.
- Stratification of the population into five income quintiles based on residence.
- Examination of three age groups: 0-14, 15-34, and ≥35 years.
Main Results:
- Total respiratory morbidity prevalence was higher in lower-income quintiles.
- Asthma prevalence was income-unrelated in younger groups but higher in lower-income older adults.
- Low-income patients had more physician contacts and hospitalizations, suggesting greater severity or access issues.
Conclusions:
- Socioeconomic status significantly impacts respiratory health outcomes in Winnipeg.
- Lower-income populations experience a higher burden of respiratory diseases, including asthma.
- Healthcare access and utilization patterns differ across income levels, warranting targeted interventions.