A Collaborative Asthma and Healthy Homes Training To Improve Well-Being of Families Living With Asthma in South Texas Colonias

Purpose: To assess the impact of a dual asthma and Healthy Homes educational training on well-being of families living with asthma.

Background: Asthma is a widespread public health problem that has increased in the past two decades in the United States and Texas. Childhood asthma rates are highest among minorities, and among those who reside in low-income communities.

Methods: This study utilized the healthy homes training approach, integrated pest management and identification of asthma triggers, as well as, teaching asthma case management to decrease the incidence of asthmatic episodes in identified families living with asthma. An outreach dual training using the healthy homes module combined with asthma education was implemented. A training pre and post test and a follow-up at 2 months were performed. An asthma management questionnaire was applied to 50 family participants who had a child 5-12 years of age with asthma in Hidalgo County. Certified promotoras identified, trained and administered the survey to parents. Results: Asthma management and healthy homes knowledge, attitudes and practices significantly improved after the implementation of the dual training program. Conclusions: This study suggests that colonia families living with asthma benefit from an integrated training approach to decrease the risk of more asthmatic episodes due to current household conditions. There is a need to promote home safety through educational interventions for children and their families in the Texas-Mexico border colonias.