Asthma mortality rates among California youths

Asthma mortality rates for California youths (ages 5-17 years) were examine d over the period 1981-1995. Data were analyzed by Poisson regression from the California Departments of Vital Statistics, Finance, and the U.S. Censu s Bureau. Aggregate statewide mortality demonstrated a 2.01%, statistically insignificant, upward trend without geographic clustering. Stratified race / ethnicity rates differed significantly, with African-American mortality t wice that of the Caucasian population. In addition, an increased number of deaths occurred in households of African-Americans, Caucasians (including H ispanics), and Hispanics with incomes below statewide medians; This study o n California youths differs from reports on larger populations with its min imal aggregate increase in asthma mortality, yet mirrors national trends of disproportionate impact on African-Americans and the economically disadvan taged.