Work

Relationship of material deprivation with emergency or unplanned healthcare utilisation in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: analysis from an Asthma+Lung UK survey

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Various forms of deprivation have been linked to poor health. Emergency and unplanned healthcare utilisation (EUHU) is inefficient and represents suboptimal chronic disease management. Understanding the relationship between material deprivation-the inability to afford certain basic items of living-and EUHU in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may identify intervention targets. However, research is limited. This study investigates the relationship between material deprivation and the frequency of EUHU. METHODS: Data were analysed from 3472 individuals with COPD who completed an online Asthma+Lung UK survey (January-March 2024). The relationship was assessed between material deprivation (nine-item European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions survey) and self-reported frequency of EUHU in the preceding year in five categories. RESULTS: People experiencing material deprivation had higher odds of reporting a higher frequency of EUHU compared with those who were not (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.49, p=0.005), independent of identified confounders. Associations were also seen with six of the nine individual items including not being able to afford mortgage/rent/utility bills, cars, unexpected expenses, heating, decent meal or a holiday. Living in cold or damp housing was associated with increased EUHU. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Material deprivation is associated with more frequent emergency and unplanned healthcare utilisation in COPD. Interventions targeting material deprivation may improve health outcomes and reduce EUHU.

Source: BMJ Open Respiratory Research

DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2025-003199