The visceral adiposity index is associated with asthma, especially current asthma: A cross-sectional study of NHANES, 2003 to 2018

To investigate the association between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and asthma using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003 to 2018 by a cross-sectional study. We explored the potential relationship between the VAI and asthma incidence via a cross-sectional study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2003 to 2018. Multiple logistic regression analysis, restricted cubic spline analysis and subgroup analysis were performed. Among the 80,312 participants, 1984 had been told by a doctor or other health professional, and 1142 still had asthma. With all confounders controlled, the VAI was positively associated with asthma incidence (odds ratios 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.08). When comparing the second, third, and fourth VAI quartiles to the lowest quartile, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for asthma risk were 1.02 (0.86, 1.21), 1.14 (0.96, 1.36), and 1.18 (1, 1.39), respectively (P for trend = .02). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant interaction effect among the subgroups (P > .05). The positive association was stronger in current asthma patients (odds ratios 1.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.03, 1.24). When comparing the second, third, and fourth VAI quartiles to the lowest quartile, the adjusted odds ratios for current asthma risk were 1.15 (0.81, 1.64), 1.29 (0.91, 1.84), and 1.51 (1.01, 2.24), respectively (P for trend .04). The restricted cubic spline regression analysis did not reveal a nonlinear correlation between the VAI and asthma or current asthma. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant interaction effect between age (P for interaction = .03) and diabetes status (P for interaction = .02). Except in the age ≥60 years, Less than high school, normal body mass index subgroup, VAI, and current asthma were positively correlated. A positive relationship between the VAI and asthma incidence was observed. In particular, there was a strong positive correlation between the VAI score and current asthma. According to the subgroup analysis, more attention should be given to individuals aged 40 to 59 years who have diabetes.