Li Yan Wang, MBA, MA¹, Yuna Zhong, MD, MSPH¹, and Lani S. M. Wheeler, MD, FAAP, FASHA². (1) DASH, NCCDPHP, CDC, 4770 Buford Hwy, MS K-33, Chamblee, GA 30341, 770 488-6195, lgw0@cdc.gov, (2) Anne Arundel County Department of Health, 163 Cranes Crook Lane, Annapolis, MD 21401-7267

Background: The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Guidelines for managing asthma in children recommend daily use of controller medications for children with persistent asthma. The objective of this study is to assess controller medication use in a national representative sample of school-aged children with asthma.

Methods: Data from 1996, 1998, and 2000 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were used. Children aged 5-17 years who purchased at least two quick-relief medicines during a 12-month period were considered as children who were likely to need controller medication. Logistic regression was performed to examine whether use of controller medication is associated with age, sex, race, mother’s education level, income level, and insurance coverage.

Results: Of 298 children who purchased at least two quick-relief medicines during a year, 37% purchased at least one controller medicines. Among the six selected sociodemographic factors, only race and insurance coverage were found to be significantly associated with use of controller medicine. White children were significantly more likely to purchase controller medicines than African American or Hispanic children. Insured children were significantly more likely to purchase controller medicines than uninsured children.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that underuse of controller medicine among school-aged children with persistent asthma is widespread, regardless of any difference in age, sex, race, mother’s education level, income level, or insurance type. To improve adherence to control medications, more and better education about asthma and its optimal management is needed for children with asthma and their parents, especially for minority children and uninsured children.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants will be able to

• Realize that underuse of controller medicine among school-aged children with persistent asthma is widespread, regardless of any difference in age, sex, race, mother's education level, income level, or insurance type.
• Recognize that more and better education about asthma and its optimal management is needed for children with asthma and their parents, especially for minority children and uninsured children.

Keywords: Pediatrics, Asthma

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.