4258.1: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - Board 7

Abstract #10284

Inner-city and out of breath: Asthma in minority children

Hannah J. Ginese, Kimberly R. Gray, Glen Kabumoto, Elizabeth Lanz, Kathleen Ramos Mangunay, and Allison Stockman. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, 203-772-3204, hjg7@omega.med.yale.edu

Among children, asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease, and it may go undiagnosed in young children. The Perinatal Epidemiology Unit at Yale University has found that asthma is more prevalent in minority children living in Connecticut inner cities, and that these children are also less likely to receive appropriate treatment than middle class children living in the suburbs. The aims of this study are: 1) To identify children who may potentially have asthma. 2) To determine potential risk factors contributing to their disease status. 3) To educate parents about minimizing the environmental risks, and to inform them of services to better manage the child's condition. A preliminary survey of New Haven, CT public school children (pre-K- Grade 2) has been distributed to identify individuals having asthma symptoms. Parents of children who have been identified in this preliminary survey will receive a more detailed telephone interview to determine both environmental and socioeconomic factors influencing the child's illness. Results of this study are significant in assessing the prevalence of undiagnosed and inadequately managed asthma among urban Connecticut school children. This is important, not only as it relates to health, but also because asthma is a significant cause of school absenteeism. This study may refine a methodology for identifying children with undiagnosed or inadequately managed asthma, which could be utilized in other urban communities.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify potentional factors contributing to asthma in inner-city minority children.
  2. Evaluate the effects of inner-city living on asthma in minority children.
  3. Construct a method for identifying children with undiagnosed or inadequately managed asthma.

Keywords: Asthma, Minority Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA