We aim to investigate the associations between lifestyle, ambient air pollution with crucial outcomes in the progression of adult asthma, including asthma new-onset and asthma hospitalisation.
176,800 participants were included to assess the prospective association between baseline risk exposures and the subsequent asthma onset, 17,387 participants were used to evaluate asthma hospitalisation. Cox regression models were employed to examine the associations.
In terms of lifestyle factors, the HRs (95% CIs) of the least healthy lifestyle categories for asthma incidence and hospitalization were 1.099 (1.017–1.187) and 1.064 (1.008–1.123), respectively. For pollutants, PM2.5, especially the traffic-related PM2.5 component, was consistently recognized as a significant risk factor for asthma onset (HR = 1.064, 95% CI: 1.034–1.094) and hospitalisation (HR = 1.031, 95% CI: 1.010–1.052) under various model adjustments. Low socioeconomic status also played a major role in the progression of adult asthma.
Our study provides crucial insights into factors influencing the progression of adult asthma. Monitoring and reducing exposure to air pollution, particularly PM2.5, promoting healthier lifestyle, and addressing socioeconomic inequity are important in preventing and managing asthma.