The comorbidity burden of the treated asthma patient population in British Columbia

Abstract

To date there has been little investigation of the prevalence of comorbid conditions in asthma patients. Using 1996/97 cross-sectional health services administrative data for British Columbia, we compared the prevalence of comorbid conditions in treated adult asthma patients with the general adult population using a standardized comorbidity identification methodology, the Adjusted Clinical Group (ACG) Case-Mix System. We also profiled the comorbidity burden of pediatric asthma patients. Adults with asthma were significantly more likely to have a range of comorbidities, including respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and 8 high impact/high prevalence chronic conditions (HIHPCCs). One in 4 adults with asthma had depression, the most prevalent HIHPCC. Children with asthma had a lower comorbidity burden than adults, but 12.6% had a stable or unstable chronic medical condition, with the most prevalent HIHPCC also depression. Adults with asthma had a high and complex comorbidity burden, particularly in terms of multiple chronic conditions. We discuss the implications for services planning and delivery.