Health Disparities in Asthma

Abstract

In the United States, several demographic groups have a disproportionately higher burden of asthma morbidity and mortality when compared to the general population. These demographic groups include racial and ethnic minorities, women, children, residents of inner cities, and economically disadvantaged populations. Observed disparities in asthma burden are probably explained by a complex interaction of multiple factors including; patient-related factors, provider-related factors, health care system-related factors, social, and environmental factors. The importance of studying and addressing asthma health disparities has been emphasized in recent reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There is an urgent need to understand the factors that contribute to asthma health disparities and identify strategies that would reduce asthma disparities. To inform future research and guide intervention strategies aimed at addressing asthma health disparities, conceptual models of the mechanisms that link various factors associated with asthma health disparities have been proposed. These frameworks are a good starting point for guiding future intervention studies that seek to address these disparities.