The complex inter-relationship of allergens and non-specific airway stimuli may amplify the effects of individual airway stimuli as well as weaken single-agent exposure reduction interventions. Factors such as physician awareness of patient symptom control, patient self-management, and modification of cleaning behaviors may influence a child's asthma-related quality of life. A multi-component intervention approach appears warranted. This community-based intervention study will take place in two counties in Iowa. The goal is to test the effect of the multi-component intervention by comparing asthma health outcomes and change in environmental exposures between an intervention county and a non-contiguous comparison county. A target total of 300 children aged 6-14 years and their families will be enrolled in three, one-year waves. Children will be identified through the schools and mailed a three-page asthma screening questionnaire. Severity of persistent asthma will also be assessed via the screener. Measures include annual spirometry and the following measures at baseline, 3 month, 6 month, and 1 year: in-home administered questionnaires; home inspection environmental checklist; and environmental measures. Questionnaire-based measures include asthma symptom control and severity, barriers to asthma care, and health care utilization. Environmental measurements will include quantitative assessments of endotoxin and antigen levels via dust sampling; and NO2 and environmental tobacco smoke via passive dosimeter. The intervention includes family level, health provider level, school level, and community level components. The individualized family level intervention addresses medication management and environmental control issues and is delivered by the study asthma counselor in quarterly in-person sessions and monthly interval telephone follow-ups.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Asthma, Rural Communities
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.