Clinical Profile of Asthma and Its Geographical Variability in Southern Spain
Author(s)
Marisa Alamillo, MSc1, Yesika Díaz Rodríguez, MSc1, Rebeca Galán, MSc1, Ada Comparín, MSc1, Alberto Esteban, MSc2, Ana López, MSc1.
1Telómera, Madrid, Spain, 2ndalusian Public Foundation Progress and Health-FPS, Seville, Spain.
1Telómera, Madrid, Spain, 2ndalusian Public Foundation Progress and Health-FPS, Seville, Spain.
OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence and prevalence of asthma in Andalusia according to age, geographical distribution, and clinical description.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study using data from the Andalusian Population Health Database (BPS), which integrates clinical, demographic, and healthcare utilization information for approximately 8.5 million individuals, from a single region in Southern Spain. Active cases of asthma were identified, and incidence rates were calculated by age and province for the period 2020 to 2024. Comorbidities were analyzed in the prevalent asthma population of 2024.
RESULTS: In 2024, a total of 41,424 new asthma diagnoses were recorded in Andalusia, with incidence rates ranging from 3.9 to 6.9 cases per 1,000 inhabitants across provinces. Annual incidence varied throughout the study period, with a notable dip in 2020 (28,590 cases), likely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a peak in 2023 (45,100 cases). A seasonal trend was observed, with diagnoses rising during the spring. In 2024, 66% of new diagnoses occurred in adults, although some provinces reported a higher proportion of pediatric cases. The number of prevalent asthma cases in 2024 was 267,838, with prevalence rates ranging from 25.8 to 43.1 per 1,000 inhabitants across provinces. Among the prevalent asthma population, the most frequent comorbidities were psychiatric disorders (40.5%), cardiovascular disease (31.9%), and metabolic conditions (25%).
CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences were observed across provinces in both incidence and prevalence rates, as well as in the age distribution of new asthma cases. These regional variations may reflect differences in environmental exposures, diagnostic practices, or healthcare system capacity. The seasonal peaks during spring may also point to a strong allergic component in asthma exacerbations. Further local-level analyses could help tailor prevention and management strategies.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study using data from the Andalusian Population Health Database (BPS), which integrates clinical, demographic, and healthcare utilization information for approximately 8.5 million individuals, from a single region in Southern Spain. Active cases of asthma were identified, and incidence rates were calculated by age and province for the period 2020 to 2024. Comorbidities were analyzed in the prevalent asthma population of 2024.
RESULTS: In 2024, a total of 41,424 new asthma diagnoses were recorded in Andalusia, with incidence rates ranging from 3.9 to 6.9 cases per 1,000 inhabitants across provinces. Annual incidence varied throughout the study period, with a notable dip in 2020 (28,590 cases), likely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a peak in 2023 (45,100 cases). A seasonal trend was observed, with diagnoses rising during the spring. In 2024, 66% of new diagnoses occurred in adults, although some provinces reported a higher proportion of pediatric cases. The number of prevalent asthma cases in 2024 was 267,838, with prevalence rates ranging from 25.8 to 43.1 per 1,000 inhabitants across provinces. Among the prevalent asthma population, the most frequent comorbidities were psychiatric disorders (40.5%), cardiovascular disease (31.9%), and metabolic conditions (25%).
CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences were observed across provinces in both incidence and prevalence rates, as well as in the age distribution of new asthma cases. These regional variations may reflect differences in environmental exposures, diagnostic practices, or healthcare system capacity. The seasonal peaks during spring may also point to a strong allergic component in asthma exacerbations. Further local-level analyses could help tailor prevention and management strategies.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH45
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Real World Data & Information Systems, Study Approaches
Disease
Biologics & Biosimilars, Respiratory-Related Disorders (Allergy, Asthma, Smoking, Other Respiratory)