INSIGHTS INTO ASTHMA PREVALENCE IN OREGON

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases. The prevalence of a sthma appears to be increasing. National data have suggested that Oreg on's asthma mortality rate has been twice as high as the national aver age. The prevalence and impact of asthma are not systematically assess ed or tracked within Oregon. We estimated the current asthma prevalenc e and mortality using data from statewide hospital discharge data, the 1995 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, and school registrat ion data from the Portland area. A conservative estimate of Oregon's c urrent asthma prevalence is 6-7% and lifetime asthma prevalence is est imated at 6-11% for both adults and children. It appears that current asthma prevalence increases during adolescence. The Willamette Valley, an area known for high pollen counts, does not have a higher rate of hospital discharges per capita than other areas within the state. Oreg on's apparent higher asthma mortality may be the result of the Oregon State Health Division's aggressive policies toward accurate reporting on death certificates. Oregon's age distribution may also contribute t o the apparent higher asthma mortality rate.