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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Hazel Chandler, BS, MAM, Asthma Prevention Grant, Phoenix Childrens Hospital, 1919 E. Thomas, Phoenix, AZ 85016, 602-546-0338, hchandler@phoenixchildrens.com, Susanne Cook, RN, PhD, School of Nursing, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 872602, Tempe, AZ 85287-2602, and Judith Harris, RN, MS, PNP, Breathmobile, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E. Thomas, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

Asthma is a chronic illness frequently under treated, placing a disproportionate burden on minority and socio-economically challenged groups (ie. Head Start). To improve asthma treatment and control in Head Start children, a community asthma action plan was developed to include asthma screening, education, and referral to services. The purpose of this abstract is to report the screening process and outcomes. Children (n=544) from 33 classrooms, in 2 intercity zip-code areas identified with high asthma hospital and emergency room discharge rates, were screened in fall 2005. Following training to use the tool, teachers screened children in their homes asking parents to respond to 11 questions (English and Spanish). Letters were sent to parents following screening to report on scores calculated. Screens with total scores of <3 without a reported diagnosis of asthma were considered negative for asthma symptoms. Screens with total scores of >3 without a reported diagnosis of asthma were considered possible for asthma symptoms. Screens with total scores of >3 with reported diagnoses of asthma were considered possible for uncontrolled asthma. Of total sample 108 children (20%) scored >3; 32 (5.9%) had scores of 3; 30 (5.5%) had scores of 4; 22 (4%) had scores of 5; and 24 (4.9%) had scores >6). Parents reported 90 (16.5%) children with asthma; of these 30 (34%) had scores >3 indicating possible uncontrolled asthma. These data may indicate higher rates than reported in the general population. Yearly screening of this population of children is critical to providing early services for asthma.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to;
• 1. Describe the process for conducting Asthma screening for pre-school and elementary school children.
• 2. Evaluate the data collected from the screening form to identify children that need referral and follow-up.
• 3. Articulate the disparity issues with regard to Asthma experience within the inter-city head start population.

Keywords: Asthma, Health Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered