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Asthma and respiratory dysfunction among urban, primarily Hispanic school children
Dona Schneider1, Natalie C G Freeman, Patricia McGarvey
1Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. donas@rci.rutgers.edu
Archives of Environmental Health
|August 2, 2005
Summary
A screening program in New Jersey identified children with poorly managed asthma. Home environmental factors and healthcare access significantly impacted asthma diagnosis and severity in students.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
- Environmental Health
- Public Health Screening
Background:
- Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition in children.
- Effective asthma management is crucial to prevent exacerbations and improve quality of life.
- Screening programs can identify children with undiagnosed or poorly controlled asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify children with poorly managed asthma or respiratory dysfunction in Passaic, New Jersey schools.
- To determine predictors of asthma diagnosis and respiratory dysfunction in school-aged children.
Main Methods:
- A screening program was implemented in grades 2-5 across all Passaic, New Jersey schools.
- Screening involved parental questionnaires and biometric (peak flow) testing.
- Children with risk factors or failed screening were referred to primary care providers.
Main Results:
- Over a 4-year period, 6-22% of screened children had a prior asthma diagnosis.
- Approximately 20% of children exhibited peak flow measures below 75% of predicted values.
- Healthcare coverage and ethnicity predicted prior asthma diagnosis, while home environment (pests, mold, pesticide use) and family history predicted poor respiratory function.
Conclusions:
- Asthma and respiratory dysfunction are significant issues among school-aged children in Passaic, NJ.
- Environmental factors and socioeconomic status (healthcare coverage, ethnicity) play a critical role in asthma management and respiratory health.
- Targeted screening and interventions addressing environmental triggers are essential for improving pediatric respiratory health.
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