The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59842

Sonja M. Stringer, MPH, Henry Ford Health System, One Ford Place, 3E, Detroit, MI 48202, 313-874-6527, sstring1@hfhs.org

Teenagers are among an age group that has seen dramatic increases in deaths from asthma. In Detroit 1998, asthma death rates for teenagers aged 15-19 yrs are high relative to 0-14 yrs at 7/100,000 vs. 4/100,000, respectively. Studies suggest that inadequate asthma management play a significant role. We are developing, implementing, and evaluating a school-based computerized asthma education program for urban teenagers. A randomized effectiveness trial will be conducted to evaluate the program in 9th-11th graders attending six Detroit high schools where over 90% of students are African American and 50% are eligible for free lunch. The use of computers to change behavior in teenagers is extremely promising, both in reach and in efficacy. The intervention includes the essential elements needed for success in this population: use of a theory-based approach to bringing about desired behavioral changes; use of “tailoring” to identify motivators, address barriers and behaviors that preclude effective management of asthma; delivery of the intervention through a multi-media vehicle; develop a Community Advisory Committee which will consist of community, school and teen representatives that will provide input in the planning of the program; and provision of assistance in the form of an asthma counselor to address health system issues students and their families may face. The result of this research will be an evaluated, computerized asthma management program that tailors an intervention to the specific needs, motives and barriers of urban teens with asthma. (NHLBI 68971)

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the process to develop the "tailored" computer-based program.
• Identify measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the teen asthma management program.
• Develop a teen asthma education program that would address specific barriers which contribute to sub-optimum compliance with taking asthma medication and management.

Keywords: Asthma, Management

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.