Although asthma affects people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups, some populations are inequitably impacted by the disease. African Americans have disproportionately high rates of asthma and poor health outcomes associated with asthma. While rates of asthma are not higher for Latinos than for some other groups, the number of Latinos with asthma is greater than any other community of color in California. Lower income is also associated with higher asthma hospitalization rates and worse symptoms. Asthma disparities are created by larger inequalities in society. Low-income communities and communities of color face significant inequities in exposure to environmental risks, both indoor and outdoor. Variations in both insurance coverage and quality of care have impacts on the management of asthma. This section provides information and strategies that address multiple aspects of asthma inequities or a topic outside of our 3 focus areas (clinical, environmental, and schools).

• Latino populations: a unique opportunity for epidemiological research of asthma, link to abstract, purchase PDF for fee.

• Race, ethnicity and social class and the complex etiologies of asthma, link to full PDF.

• Social Determinants: Taking the Social Context of Asthma Seriously, link to full PDF.
• The Harlem Children’s Zone Asthma Initiative, link to full PDF.
• Income Disparities in Asthma Burden and Care in California, link to full PDF.