Variations in asthma hospitalizations in eastern Virginia

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood, with approximately 2.7 million children affected. It accounts for approximately 11 million missed school days annually in the United States. Privately-insured workers with asthma have an estimated annual direct cost related to asthma care of $6,452. Cost for non-asthmatic workers is 4,412. This study will assess the disparities and differences in asthma distribution at the zip code level within a city in the eastern region of Virginia. Study population data will be drawn from three sources: the Virginia Health Information database, the US Census, and the Virginia Atlas of Community Health. Individual and zip code level data include various socioeconomic indicators including age, race, and gender. Analysis of data will be primarily descriptive, exploring variations in asthma hospitalizations rates between and among zip codes. The analysis will examine differences in hospitalization rates for asthma by socioeconomic status, zip code of residence, health insurance status, and selected behavioral indicators. Variations in hospitalization rates over time and by time of year will be explored. Non-parametric tests for significance will also be conducted based on availability, quality, and quantity of data. The information generated by this study should provide a more complete understanding of the distribution of asthma hospitalizations that will allow the health district to identify areas with unmet needs and better target additional services.