Background: In Boston during the period of 1994-1997, residents had an average annual rate of 3.5 hospitalizations per 1000 residents, double the state of Massachusetts's rate. Obesity is a major public health problem in urban children and is linked to asthma exacerbation. Objectives of the Asthma Prevention and Control Program of the Boston Public Health Commission include increasing asthma-oriented activities for children. In spring 2000, the Asthma Program approached community centers about instituting a program of asthma education and swimming lessons for children with asthma. Kids With Asthma Can…Swim! is the first in a series of exercise and education programs to be implemented in Boston. The model includes development of a standardized curriculum and portability kit and training community center staff and peer leaders to implement the program.
Methods: The Boston Community Centers is a city department, which operates 20 pools and provides educational and recreational programs for city residents. Programs were piloted at community centers in 4 neighborhoods with high rates of asthma. Children's Hospital provides medical guidance and coordinates recruitment through its community health centers.
Results: By pulling together a broad coalition that includes city agencies, hospitals and local community organizations, the Boston Public Health Commission has implemented a sustainable and replicable program of asthma education and exercise. We will report on outcomes including improvements in knowledge about asthma, peak flow measurements and school attendance, and provide a working draft of the curriculum.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will 1. Learn about an innovative asthma education and excercise program developed in the city of Boston for urban youth with asthma 2. Recognize how collaboration with a local health department and community based organizations created a replicable, effective program geared at decreasing exacerbations of asthma 3. Develop (or apply) a working model of asthma prevention and control using local resources and services 4. View the working draft of the asthma education curriculum developed by students, community-based organizations, and the health department
Keywords: Asthma, Community-Based Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Boston Public Health Commission, Asthma Prevention and Control Program
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.