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U.S. asthma prevalence increased from 2000 to 2008
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National three-year averages of asthma prevalence climbed by 0.5% during a nine-year period, with 19 states and Washington, D.C., showing significant increases, according to data from a recent study.
CDC researchers conducted a state-by-state analysis of annual trends in asthma prevalence among adults using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 2000 to 2008 to assess significant changes in asthma rates during three-year averages. They then compared the general trends for each state.
“This state-by-state analysis of annual trends in asthma prevalence is important for public health planning and for generating hypotheses to determine risk factors for this common condition,” Teresa A. Morrison, MD, MPH, one of the study researchers from the CDC, said in a press release.
Results showed that annual statewide prevalence of current asthma ranged from 5.04% (95% CI, 4.40%-5.78%) in Louisiana to 10.68% (95% CI, 9.51%-11.98%) in Rhode Island, with the overall prevalence of 7.85% (95% CI, 7.78%-7.91%) across the United States. Only Nevada’s three-year averages decreased by 0.29%, but the researchers deemed this change statistically nonsignificant. Among the states with significant increases, the highest rates were found in Oklahoma (2.03%) and Alabama (1.91%).
The researchers noted that the geographic variations and significant growth in asthma prevalence in various states may be related to differences in demographic factors, socioeconomic conditions, health service access, local ordinances or environmental factors. They also suggested further investigation into state-specific factors to reach better understanding of the disease. – by Melissa Foster
Morrison T. #908. Presented at: 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology; Feb. 26-March 2, 2010; New Orleans.