Poverty is the risk factor for developing asthma

Hawaii Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2000 -2005 and Hawaii Health Survey (HHS) 1995 -2005 were used to estimate the prevalence of asthma. Both lifetime prevalence of asthma and current asthma prevalence were examined and compared to the state average. Hospital inpatient (1995 - 2005) and emergency department data (2000 -2005) were also examined for health disparities and cost. The health disparities were examined by education level, geographic location, gender and other factors. Results: Low social economic status families have a higher rate of current asthma when compared with the other better of families; these findings are consistent with both BRFSS and HHS. On average 2/3 of all emergency department visits and hospitalizations for asthma are paid by Medicaid/Medicare. Socio-economic environment and support systems must be promoted and or provided and improved for vulnerable segments of the population.