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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Elizabeth J. Garland, MD, MS, Teodora Evtimova, MS, MBA, Lorraine Anglin, MPH, Mary Foley, EdD, CHES, Mariecel Pilapil, BA, and Suzanne Gaynor, DrPH. Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Box 1043, One Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, 212/241-6442, elizabeth.garland@mssm.edu

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and severity of asthma have increased dramatically over the last several decades, especially in poor communities in NYC. Established risk factors for development of asthma are history of allergic disease and sensitization to indoor allergens including dust mites, cockroaches, pets, rodents and mold.

PURPOSE: to reduce environmental triggers of asthma in 136 homes through a HUD-funded comprehensive community education and home-based intervention program..

METHODS: 150 children with asthma were identified through community based organizations and referred to program. Baseline and 6 month follow-up data was obtained by community health workers (CHWs) on: asthma exacerbations, ER visits and hospitalizations, school days missed, home environmental assessment, determination of patient's functional status and self-efficacy, assessment of asthma medication compliance and familiarity and use of Asthma Action Plan. Family-specific home interventions implemented by CHWs included: mold remediation, integrated pest management and allergen reduction. Cleaning supplies, plastic food containers, pillow and mattress covers, spacers and peak flow meters were supplied. Provision of home-based education on asthma management reinforced best practices.

RESULTS: Data on the impact of the 6-month home environmental intervention on: child's physical and emotional health, caregivers' emotional health and quality of life, asthma medication compliance, and home environment will be presented.

CONCLUSION: It is anticipated that this program will demonstrate that implementation of these activities results in a reduced incidence of severe asthma attacks in children, decreased hospitalizations, days lost from school and/or from work by the parent, and improved quality of life for these families.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Identify components of community-based asthma intervention program
• 2. Appropriately assess home asthma triggers
• 3. Develop environmental asthma management action plans for families with children with asthma

Keywords: Asthma, Community-Based Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered