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Parent-reported asthma in Puerto Rican children
Sylvette Nazario1, Jesus R Casal, Alfonso Torres-Palacios
1Department of Internal Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico. pulmonpr@aol.com
Pediatric Pulmonology
|April 20, 2004
Summary
Parent-reported asthma is common in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Children in public schools have higher asthma prevalence and healthcare use than those in private schools, suggesting socioeconomic factors influence asthma management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asthma is a significant public health concern in children.
- Understanding asthma prevalence and healthcare disparities is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine parent-reported asthma prevalence, morbidity, and healthcare utilization in children aged 4-7 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- To compare these outcomes between children attending public and private schools.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 3527 children (public n=2849; private n=678) in San Juan metropolitan area schools.
- Parents completed a 12-item questionnaire on asthma diagnosis, symptoms, morbidity, and healthcare use.
- Random selection of schools across 12 geographic regions.
Main Results:
- Physician-diagnosed asthma rates were similar (43.2% public vs. 39.4% private).
- Current asthma prevalence was higher in public schools (32.6% vs. 23.7%).
- Public school children reported more school absences, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits.
Conclusions:
- High asthma prevalence and healthcare utilization warrant further investigation with objective measures.
- Disparities in healthcare utilization suggest socioeconomic factors impact asthma management in Puerto Rico.
- Public health strategies should address socioeconomic determinants of asthma care in urban settings.