Impact of Wildfire Smoke on Older Adults with Respiratory Diseases
Author Information
Author(s): Lin Zhao Xiang, Sharon Tal, Szerszen Anita
Primary Institution: Northwell Health
Hypothesis
How do wildfires affect emergency department visits and hospitalizations for COPD and asthma among older adults?
Conclusion
Worsening air quality from wildfires may disproportionately impact non-white older adults, particularly those with Medicaid insurance.
Supporting Evidence
- Global temperatures are rising, leading to more intense wildfires.
- Studies indicate Black/African American communities may be disproportionately affected by air pollution.
- ED visits and hospitalizations for COPD or asthma increased among non-white older adults from 27.19% in 2022 to 35.87% in 2023.
- More Black/African Americans required acute care, increasing from 11.06% in 2022 to 16.74% in 2023.
Takeaway
Wildfires can make the air dirty, which is especially bad for older people with breathing problems, and it seems to affect non-white older adults more.
Methodology
The study assessed patient records from two New York City hospitals in an observational cohort design.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the representation of patient demographics and insurance status.
Limitations
The study may not account for all variables affecting ED visits and hospitalizations.
Participant Demographics
Older adults aged 65 and older, with a focus on non-white populations and those with Medicaid insurance.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0007
Statistical Significance
p = 0.0007
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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