Introduction
We examined how differences in health service
utilization among children with asthma are associated with race/ethnicity,
socioeconomic status (family income, mother’s education), and health insurance
coverage.
Methods
We analyzed Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data from 1996
through 2000 (982 children younger than 18 years with asthma). We calculated
percentages and mean distributions, odds ratios, and incidence rate ratios.
Results
Non-Hispanic black children used more urgent care services
and fewer preventive health services. Children in low-income families (125%-199%
of the poverty line) had the lowest levels of prescription fills and general
checkups. Children whose mothers had more education had more checkups and fewer
emergency department visits. Children who were insured during the 2-year study
period used more health services for asthma, not including emergency department
visits.
Conclusions
Minority children and children of socioeconomically
disadvantaged families use more urgent care and less preventive care for asthma.
Children without health insurance use fewer health services overall. Future
research should address how related factors might explain health services
utilization in effectively managing asthma in children.