Objective. To estimate the prevalence of diagnosed asthma with symptoms in the last 12 months (probable asthma) and symptoms in the last 12 months without a diagnosis (possible asthma) in children attending six Bronx, NYC elementary schools. Methods. Surveys (English & Spanish) were sent home during 1999-2000 to collect: demographics, ever receipt of an asthma diagnosis, and symptoms in the last 12 months. Analyses. Univariate analyses used Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess associations. Results. 75% (4804/6433) of surveys were completed and returned. Children whose parents returned surveys were: 30% Puerto Rican, 28% other Latino, 19% Black, 15% other, 9% White, and, 52% female. 955 (20%) children had probable asthma, 605 (13%) children had possible asthma, 189 (4%) had asthma (ever) but no symptoms in the last 12 months, and 3055 (64%) never had a diagnosis or symptoms. Among Puerto Rican children, 485/1465 (33%) had probable asthma (OR=4.0, 95% CI 3.5, 4.7) and 185 (13%) had possible asthma; among other Latinos, 203/1322 (15%) had probable and 190 (14%) possible asthma; among Black children, 210/892 (24%) had probable and 131 (15%) possible asthma, and among White children, 48/425 (11%) had probable and 54 (13%) possible asthma. Conclusion. Preliminary analyses suggest a high prevalence of probable asthma, especially in Puerto Rican children, who were four times as likely to have received an asthma diagnosis and report symptoms in the last 12 months. An additional 13-15% of children had at least 1 symptom, with no difference by race/ethnicity.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session participants will have a sense of the number of children with probable asthma and the number with breathing problems suggestive of undiagnosed asthma.
Keywords: School Health, Pediatrics
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.