The Prevalence of Asthma is High in Massachusetts

• In 2015, approximately 1 in 9 people in Massachusetts – 10.2% of adults and 12.9% children – currently had asthma².
• The prevalence of lifetime and current asthma among adults was higher in Massachusetts than the nation.
• In Massachusetts, prevalence of current asthma was higher among
  • Adult females compared to adult males
  • Male children compared to female children
  • Adults and children in households with lower incomes
  • Adults and children in households with lower educational attainment of the adult
  • Adults who smoke
  • Adults and children who have a disability
• The prevalence of current asthma in Massachusetts was higher among Black, Non-Hispanic adults (13.8%) than White, non-Hispanic (10.4%) adults, whereas the prevalence of current asthma among adults was similar across race/ethnicity subgroups in 2015².
• Among children in Massachusetts, the prevalence of current asthma was higher among Black, non-Hispanic and Hispanic children than White, non-Hispanic children. However, these differences were not statistically significant¹.

^[1] Moorman JE, Akinbami LJ, Bailey CM, et al. National Surveillance of Asthma: United States, 2001–2010. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 3(35). 2012

² A Profile of Health Among Massachusetts Adults, 2015   file size 2MB

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This information is provided by the Asthma Prevention and Control Program within the Department of Public Health.