The number of children with asthma doubled in the past 15 years, making it the leading chronic disease and cause of school absenteeism among children. While 5.36% of New Hampshire residents are estimated to have asthma, specific, local level data is limited. To address this issue, the Greater Manchester Asthma Alliance developed and implemented a surveillance system to determine asthma prevalence among elementary school students and identify cases of under-managed asthma, as well as develop intervention methods. The overall goal of this study is to improve the quality of life for children with asthma in a diverse urban community. A survey to identify diagnosed and undiagnosed asthmatics among students was conducted. Preliminary results indicate the prevalence of diagnosed asthma in Manchester, NH is higher than the state and national averages. 5127 of approximately 7100 surveys were returned (72% response rate) and 13.8% responded “YES” to ever being diagnosed with asthma. Of those with no diagnosis, 6.0% reported asthma-like symptoms. “Possible” asthmatics were further screened using NHLBI approved questions, with referrals to providers made when indicated. Students referred for medical evaluation are being tracked. Parents of asthmatics completed a detailed questionnaire providing information on asthma severity and medical management based on measures that include NHLBI classifications, medication usage, school nurse visits, unscheduled doctor visits and hospitalizations, and school absences. A comparison of asthmatic and non-asthmatic absentee rates is also being conducted. Findings will be widely reported and the surveillance system will be evaluated and revised as needed.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the school-based asthma surveillance program developed for Manchester, NH. 2. Discuss the prevalence and severity of asthma among public elementary school students who reside in an urban community. 3. Discuss appropriate intervention methods among a culturally and economically diverse urban population.
Keywords: Asthma, Surveillance
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.