Patient, home residence, and neighborhood characteristics in pediatric emergency department visits for asthma

Abstract

Objective: To identify patient, home residence, and neighborhood characteristics of children with asthma-related emergency department visits.

Methods: Medical records of children with one (group A) or more than one (group B) asthma-related pediatric emergency department visit were reviewed.

Results: A significantly higher percentage of group B had Medicaid insurance (p = 0.04), history of asthma-related hospitalizations (p = 0.04), and passive tobacco smoke exposure (p = 0.03). Neighborhood characteristics were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions: Smoking cessation counseling and close monitoring of patients with a history of asthma-related hospitalizations and patients with Medicaid insurance may be helpful in decreasing emergency department visits.