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

Abstract #73204

Katherine Feldman, DVM, MPH, Michelle Goveia, MD, MPH, and Rick Kreutzer, MD. Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Health Services, 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1700, Oakland, CA 94612, 510-622-4468, kfeldman@dhs.ca.gov

Purpose: Surveys of site directors and staff of licensed California childcare centers showed that environmental risk factors for asthma are common in centers and that asthma knowledge among staff is highly variable. The California Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Investigations Branch, as part of the Childhood Asthma Initiative, addressed deficits regarding asthma policies and practices and staff asthma knowledge. Methods: Stakeholders were convened to determine the best methods for improving practices and for disseminating information, and to determine barriers to implementing environmental controls in childcare centers. Information from the two surveys and from stakeholders' contributions was used to develop policy and focused interventions. Results: Based on the surveys and the childcare providers' needs, an educational and outreach program is being developed for childcare providers that addresses environmental risk factors for asthma. Fact sheets, newsletter articles, and educational websites were developed for distribution. Practice guidelines are being drafted; compliance will be voluntary. An asthma education program is being translated to video. Collaborating health consultants received education on environmental risk factors for asthma. Conclusions: Survey findings and stakeholder needs were used to guide the development of policy and interventions aimed at reducing environmental risk factors for asthma in childcare settings. The surveys of site directors and staff should be re-administered to assess post-intervention asthma policies, practices, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will understand the need for data for planning interventions. Participants will know challenges to implementing environmental interventions in childcare settings.

Keywords: Asthma, Intervention

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.