The relationship of material deprivation with emergency or unplanned healthcare utilisation in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: analysis from an Asthma + Lung UK survey
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Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal 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.
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.
Date Issued
2025-11-18
Date Acceptance
2025-10-13
Citation
BMJ Open Respiratory Research, 2025, 12 (1)
ISSN
2052-4439
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Journal / Book Title
BMJ Open Respiratory Research
Volume
12
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2025. Re-use permitted under CC BY NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group.
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Publication Status
Published
Article Number
e003199
Date Publish Online
2025-11-18