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Cost-Related Barriers to Medication Use Exacerbate Asthma Outcomes in Obese Individuals

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A study published in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy reveals that individuals with obesity-associated asthma (OAA) face significant challenges in accessing medication due to cost barriers, leading to poor health outcomes. The research, conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, aimed to assess the impact of cost barriers on medication use in OAA across racial and ethnic groups. The study included data from 21,108 adults with asthma who participated in the All of Us program between May 2017 and August 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • Individuals with OAA had higher odds of experiencing cost-related barriers to medication use, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.12 to 1.31.
  • The study found that 51.7% of participants had OAA, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 38.6 kg/m^2.
  • The research highlighted the need for tailored health care interventions that address the specific needs of diverse populations, aiming to reduce health disparities and improve asthma outcomes.
  • The study included 21,108 patients, with 73.6% female, 11.9% Hispanic/Latinx, 67.2% non-Hispanic White, 13.0% non-Hispanic Black, 1.5% non-Hispanic Asian, and 6.3% other.
  • The research received financial support from the NIH, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.
  • The study concluded that cost-related barriers to medication use are a significant concern for individuals with OAA, particularly in diverse populations.

Statistics:

  • 21,108 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 58.9 years.
  • 51.7% of participants had OAA and a mean BMI of 38.6 kg/m^2.
  • Adjusted odds ratios for cost-related barriers to medication use ranged from 1.12 to 1.31.
  • 73.6% of participants were female.
  • 11.9% of participants were Hispanic/Latinx.
  • 67.2% of participants were non-Hispanic White.
  • 13.0% of participants were non-Hispanic Black.
  • 1.5% of participants were non-Hispanic Asian.
  • 6.3% of participants were other.

Sources:

  • Cost-related Barriers To Medication Use Among Diverse Participants With Obesity-associated Asthma. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy, 2025;31(9):937-948.
  • NewsRx. Recent Studies from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Add New Data to Asthma (Cost-related Barriers To Medication Use Among Diverse Participants With Obesity-associated Asthma). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. October 20, 2025; p 4158.

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