Suburban Australians twice as likely to develop asthma due to health and environment

New research shows that 12 per cent of children in the outer suburbs develop asthma, compared with only 6 per cent in the inner city

Outer suburbs children have twice the chance of developing asthma compared to those living in the inner city.

A study published by Curtin University based on health data captured in the last Australian census analysed the rates of asthma in four major cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

It showed a consistent difference of 6 per cent asthma development in metropolitan popu­lations of those cities, compared with 12 per cent in outer suburbs.

Curtin University geospatial modelling expert Ewan Cameron said factors in this disparity included higher rates of chronic family stress, obesity, and the consequences of poor housing such as poor ventilation.

“People in lower socio-economic areas, many of whom are renting, often lack the means to alleviate these issues and may have poorer access to healthcare support for asthma management,” Professor Cameron said

“Going in, we thought the inner city might have the most childhood asthma because of heavy traffic flow and air pollution but the pattern we see is one of increasing asthma risk towards the outer areas of cities.

“Our study reveals we still have a lot to do to give children an equal start in life.”

Environmental factors fed into the asthma disparity. In ­regions with large daily temperature variations or a higher rate of extreme weather, children were more susceptible to asthma ­attacks.

The study, held in conjunction with the Telethon Kids Institute, used data from the 2021 census, which was the first to ask about long-term health conditions.

The Curtin University team then used satellite imagery and statistical modelling to chart the distribution of asthma among the major cities, finding the environmental factors and risks associated with the rise.

“In many ways it was surprising just how similar all the cities were,” Professor Cameron said.

“We found that in every city there was that same trend – increasing prevalence from the wealthier inner-city suburbs to poorer outer-city suburbs. By revealing where asthma risk is highest … we can identify areas that need the most support.”