Asthma in California in 2001: High Rates Affect Most Population Groups

Publication Date: May 2002

Publisher: UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

Author(s): Ying-Ying Ming; Susan H. Babey; E. Malcom; E. Richard Brown

Research Area: Health

Keywords: asthma; prevalence

Type: Report

Coverage: California

Abstract:

A study released by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research examines the prevalence of asthma in California, the prevention and management of asthma symptoms and the consequences of poorly managed asthma. The data for this study are the first release from the new 2001 California Health Interview Survey.

An estimated 11.9% of Californians -- 3.9 million children and adults -- report that they have been diagnosed with asthma at some point in their lives, compared to the national average of 10.1%. Nearly 2.9 million Californians with asthma (8.8%) experienced asthma symptoms in the past 12 months, including 667,000 school-aged children.