Sex Differences in Asthma-Related Healthcare Utilization and Expenditure in the United States

Abstract

Asthma affects over 28 million United States residents, creating significant healthcare and economic burdens. While sex differences in asthma prevalence are known, less is understood about how they shape healthcare use and costs across ages. Using data from 32,875 adults aged 18-64 in the 2007-2022 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, this study applied a two-part hurdle model for utilization and a two-part GLM for expenditures. Females (60% of the weighted sample) reported more visits and spent an additional $360 annually than males. Older adults were more likely to incur costs: males aged 55-64 were 10-percentage points more likely to use preventive care, while females aged 45-54 spent $312.72 more on emergency care, with 26-34 year-old females having the highest added cost ($333.81), compared to the younger adults (18-24years). Public insurance increased healthcare use among females, and racial disparities raised emergency visits for Black individuals, suggesting the need for targeted asthma policies.