A new study conducted by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has revealed that rural and regional areas across Australia are experiencing disproportionately high rates of childhood asthma. The research, which analysed data from the 2021 Census, found that asthma is more prevalent among children living in socio-economically disadvantaged communities and regions with higher Indigenous populations.
Asthma, a chronic lung disease that tightens and inflames the airways, remains one of the leading causes of hospital visits for children. However, the UNSW study highlighted alarming disparities in asthma prevalence across the country. The research identified over 460 childhood asthma hotspots, the majority of which are found in rural or remote areas of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania. In some areas, the rate of childhood asthma was more than double the national average of 6.27%.
Tasmania Leads in Asthma Prevalence
Topping the list of hotspots is Tasmania’s Acton-Upper Burnie region, where an astounding 13.8% of children were diagnosed with asthma. East Devonport, also in Tasmania, followed closely behind with 12.8%. Other regions with high rates include Mount Hutton in New South Wales’ Lake Macquarie, which recorded a childhood asthma rate of 12.9%.
Researchers of Australia expressed concern that over 60% of these asthma hotspots are located in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, with more than 80% showing elevated proportions of Indigenous populations. Jahid Khan, a lead author of the study from UNSW's School of Clinical Medicine, noted the surprising scale of the disparities: “We suspected there would be an elevated proportion of children with asthma in areas of greater deprivation, but to see such a difference within one country and so many areas of hotspots, it surprised us.”
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in the lungs. This respiratory disease occurs when the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult for a person to breathe. Asthma can range from mild to severe and is often triggered by environmental factors.
Common Causes of Asthma:
Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mould.
Respiratory Infections: Colds, flu, and other respiratory infections can trigger asthma attacks.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to smoke, pollution, and chemical fumes.
Physical Activity: For some individuals, exercise can induce asthma symptoms.
Weather Conditions: Cold air or changes in weather can exacerbate asthma.
Genetics: Asthma often runs in families and can be passed down genetically.
Symptoms of Asthma:
Shortness of breath
Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing
Chest tightness or pain
Continuous coughing, especially at night or early in the morning
Difficulty breathing during physical activity or in cold weather
Linking Asthma to Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors
The Australian study underscores the role of socio-economic deprivation in asthma prevalence. Dr Nusrat Homaira, one of the researchers, explained that children from low-income families are often more exposed to asthma triggers such as mould, dust mites, and poor housing conditions. In overcrowded households, respiratory infections, a key asthma trigger, are also more likely to spread.
Compounding the issue is the limited access to healthcare in rural and remote communities. Specialist paediatric asthma services are predominantly located in metropolitan hospitals, making it harder for children in these regions to access appropriate care.
A Call for Targeted Intervention
The findings of this Australian study highlight the need for targeted healthcare interventions in the identified asthma hotspots. With Tasmania and other regional areas facing an urgent need for resources, policymakers must address the growing burden of asthma to reduce hospital admissions and overall healthcare costs associated with the disease.
By shining a light on the social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to asthma in rural Australia, this study serves as a crucial step toward addressing the disparities affecting vulnerable communities.
Conclusion
Asthma is a manageable condition with the right care and support. However, the higher prevalence of childhood asthma in regional and disadvantaged areas, as highlighted by this study, underscores the need for greater attention and resources. Ensuring that children, especially in rural and Indigenous communities, have access to proper asthma management and healthcare can significantly reduce the burden of this chronic condition.
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