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


OBJECTIVE
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.
Loveland
Katie M
KM
Asthma Control Program, Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Bureau, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Helena, Montana 59620, USA. kloveland@mt.gov
Kessler
Anne C
AC
Helgerson
Steven D
SD
Harwell
Todd S
TS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D009009:Montana / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D044465:White People / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data