The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #37785

Alicia Marier Cunningham, MD/MPH candidate, Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, 1060 Beacon St, Apt 6, Brookline, MA 02446, 617-566-0284, alicia_marier@student.hms.harvard.edu and Rose Hannah Goldman, MD, MPH, Cambridge Hospital, 1493 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02139.

Introduction: Sub-standard housing, including exposure to cockroaches, rodents, and mold, is associated with poor health outcomes for asthmatics. Non-English speaking families may suffer from worse housing conditions, placing their asthmatic children at risk of frequent exacerbations. In this study, we examined the relationship between language and housing conditions for the families of asthmatic children. Methods: Data were collected on a standard form through the Cambridge-Somerville Healthy Homes Asthma Program, a program that evaluates the homes of asthmatic children for environmental asthma triggers. Families requiring an interpreter were categorized as “non-fluent in English.” The category “fluent” included non-immigrants and immigrants not requiring an interpreter. Using EpiInfo, we compared fluent and non-fluent families with respect to the presence of roaches, rodents, mold, and mean number of sanitary code violations (Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 410.000). Results: Families not fluent in English lived in homes with more sanitary code violations (a mean of 8.3 versus 4.7, p<0.001). Non-fluent families were more likely to have roaches (63% versus 14%, p<0.001), and mold (60% versus 28%, p <0.01). We found no significant difference with respect to rodents. Differences in housing conditions remained significant when rental homes were examined separately. Implications: Possible explanations include fear of eviction or deportation, and poor communication limiting self-advocacy and understanding of rights. Alternatively, these findings may reflect the prevalence of poverty among non-English speakers. Regardless, asthmatic children of non-English speakers may be at risk of poor health outcomes associated with exposure to cockroaches, mold, and sub-standard housing.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to describe disparities in housing conditions between English and non-English speakers, discuss the possible causes and consequences of these disparities, and assess the need for future research into the relationship between language barriers and environmental health.

Keywords: Environmental Health, Immigrants

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.