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Does the social environment contribute to asthma?
Edith Chen1, Hannah M C Schreier
1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia,Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada. echen@psych.ubc.ca
Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America
|June 24, 2008
Summary
The social environment significantly impacts asthma. Adverse neighborhood and family conditions affect asthma through physiological and behavioral pathways, highlighting the need for integrated research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Social Epidemiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Growing attention on the social determinants of health, specifically the social environment's role in asthma.
- Asthma pathogenesis is complex, involving genetic and environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on the social environment's impact on asthma at neighborhood, peer, and family levels.
- To explore the biological and behavioral pathways linking the social environment to asthma.
- To identify gaps in current research regarding social factors and asthma.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies investigating social environment and asthma.
- Analysis of research examining neighborhood, peer, and family influences.
- Exploration of proposed mechanisms, including physiological and behavioral pathways.
Main Results:
- Adverse social conditions at neighborhood and family levels are linked to increased asthma morbidity.
- Physiological and health behavior alterations are key pathways mediating these effects.
- The impact of peer social networks on asthma requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- The social environment is a critical factor in asthma development and exacerbation.
- Understanding social determinants is essential for comprehensive asthma management and prevention.
- Future research should integrate social environmental factors into asthma pathogenesis models.
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