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Social factors associated with behavioral problems in children with asthma
A M Butz1, F J Malveaux, P Eggleston
1Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Insights
Children with asthma and high symptom levels are more likely to have behavior problems. Lack of social support also increases this risk, identifying vulnerable children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Behavioral Science
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma is a prevalent chronic condition in children.
- Behavioral problems can impact a child's quality of life and treatment adherence.
- Understanding risk factors for behavioral issues in pediatric asthma is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of behavior problems in inner-city children with asthma.
- To identify independent variables associated with the presence of behavior problems in this population.
Main Methods:
- A structured telephone interview was conducted with parents of 392 children with asthma.
- Data collected included child asthma symptoms, medication use, healthcare utilization, school absences, behavior problems, and social support.
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant associations.
Main Results:
- Children with high asthma symptom levels were over twice as likely to exhibit behavior problems compared to those with low symptom levels (P = 0.002).
- Low levels of social support were significantly associated with increased behavior problems.
- Theophylline medication use did not correlate with behavior problems (P = 0.45).
Conclusions:
- Children experiencing high asthma symptom severity and low social support are at increased risk for behavioral problems.
- This research identifies a specific at-risk group, particularly within families facing social and financial challenges.
- Interventions should consider both asthma management and psychosocial support for affected children and families.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to describe the proportion of children with a behavior problem and examine which independent variables are associated with the presence of a behavior problem in a group of 392 inner-city children with asthma. Data on child asthma symptoms, medication use, health-care utilization, and school absences were obtained from the parent during a structured telephone interview. Included in the interview was a measure of behavior problems and social support questions. Children classified with a high level of asthma symptoms were more than twice as likely to experience a behavior problem than children classified with a low level of asthma symptoms (P = 0.002). Use of theophylline medication was not correlated with behavior problems (P = 0.45). Significant variables were low level of social support and high or moderate level of asthma symptoms. We have identified a group of children at risk for behavior problems, specifically in families that lack adequate social and financial resources.