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Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
An economic evaluation of the school-based "power breathing" asthma program
Adam Atherly1, Tursynbek Nurmagambetov, Seymour Williams
1Health Policy and Management, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. aatherl@sph.emory.edu
Summary
The Power Breathing program significantly reduced asthma attacks in students. This school-based asthma intervention is cost-effective, comparable to medications, and a valuable use of resources.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Asthma Management
- Health Economics
Background:
- School-based asthma interventions lack systematic cost-effectiveness evaluations.
- The Power Breathing program, developed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, is available for school districts.
- Asthma management in adolescents requires accessible and effective strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the Power Breathing program for asthma in middle and high school students.
- To determine the impact of a school-based asthma intervention on asthma-related symptoms.
- To compare the cost-effectiveness of the Power Breathing program with pharmaceutical interventions.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted across 10 matched schools (8 junior high, 2 high schools).
- Schools were randomly assigned to either the Power Breathing intervention or a control group.
- Surveys assessed asthma symptoms at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 3 months post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Intervention group students showed a significant decrease of 0.18 days with asthma attacks per 2 weeks.
- Control group students experienced an increase of 0.102 days with asthma attacks per 2 weeks.
- The program's cost was approximately $3.9 per asthma attack-free day gained.
Conclusions:
- The Power Breathing program is a cost-effective asthma intervention for school settings.
- School-based asthma interventions, when properly implemented, represent an appropriate use of societal resources.
- This study supports the integration of asthma management programs within educational institutions.
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