Is there a disparity in the prevalence of asthma between American Indian and white adults?

摘要

BACKGROUND: Though racial disparities in asthma prevalence are well documented, little is known about the burden of asthma in American Indians compared to whites in the United States. OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence of asthma among American Indian and white adults 18 years of age and older in Montana. METHODS: We used Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data representative of the Montana population from 2001 to 2006. RESULTS: Using multiple logistic regression analysis, American Indian race was not independently associated with increased asthma prevalence (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.83-1.33). Obesity, lower household income and lower educational attainment, factors disproportionately affecting American Indians in Montana, were independently associated with increased asthma prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Regional and national surveillance is needed to comprehensively document asthma prevalence in American Indians and other underrepresented minorities in the United States.