Factors Related With the Higher Percentage of Hospitalizations Due to Asthma Amongst Women: The FRIAM Study

Introduction The reason why there is a higher hospitalization rate due to asthma exacerbations amongst women is unclear. The objective of this study is to explore the possible causes that may explain this fact. Methods A multi-center, prospective study including asthma patients hospitalized in the pulmonary medicine departments during a 2-year period. By means of a questionnaire, the following data were collected: demographic characteristics and treatment compliance, anxiety-depression, hyperventilation and asthma control, both prior to and during the hospitalization. Results 183 patients were included, 115 (62.84%) of whom were women. The women were older (52.4±18.3/43.4±18.7; P =.02), were more frequently prescribed inhaled corticosteroids (63.2%/47.1%; P =.03) and had a higher rate of hyperventilation syndrome (57.3/35.9; P =.02) and a longer mean hospital stay (7.3±3.4/5.9±3.6; P =.02). The percentage of smokers among the women was lower (21.2%/38.8%; P =.01) and the FEV 1 was lower at admittance (58.2%±15.9%/67.5%±17.4%; P =.03). In the 40–60-year-old age range, an association was demonstrated between being female and the ‘previous hospitalizations’ variable (OR, 16.1; 95% CI, 1.6–156.7); sex and obesity were also independently associated (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.06–22). Conclusions In this cohort, the rate of hospitalization for asthma was higher in women than in men. Being a woman between the ages of 40 and 60 is associated with previous hospitalizations and is a risk factor for asthma-related hospitalization. This situation could partially be explained by the hormonal changes during menopause, where polyposis and obesity are independent risk factors.