Allergy and Asthma Network debuts Asthma Equity Explorer beta with free, multi-level data tools

Meeta Patel, health data analyst and project lead for the Asthma Equity Explorer (AEE) at the Allergy and Asthma Network (AAN), demonstrated the beta database and described its features to Tennessee stakeholders.

Patel said the AEE provides three geographic levels (state, county, place/city or ZIP) where source availability permits, offers mapping, graphs, tables and an explanatory summary tool, and allows users to download datasets for further analysis. The tool includes variables for social determinants of health (race and ethnicity, income), environmental exposure (particulate matter), health-service locations (public schools and Federally Qualified Health Centers at county/place levels) and calculated ranks that combine asthma prevalence with user-selected factors.

Patel noted the beta’s content varies by state because source data availability differs by jurisdiction; she urged users to read the about page and source definitions for each variable. She demonstrated Tennessee examples that showed a non-significant association for particulate matter at the statewide level but stronger positive associations at county and place levels for selected locales (Chester County, Knoxville).

AAN staff said registration and access are free; the tool collects minimal registration details (user organization and intended use) and is under continuous development to improve sign-in and performance. Patel offered to share links and contact information in chat for users who want help getting started or who want data pulled for research.