264075 After-school settings as a method of addressing asthma management and prevention: A community-based research perspective

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 : 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Katrina Kubicek, PhD , Division of Research on Children, Youth and Families, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Neal Richman, PhD , Director of Programs & Advocacy, Breathe LA, Los Angeles, CA
Marisela Robles, MS , Office of Community Engagement, Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Charlene Chen, MHS , Director of Community Health Partnerships, COPE Health Solutions, Los Angeles, CA
Saba Firoozi, MPH , Policy and Programs, Breathe LA, Los Angeles, CA
Michele D. Kipke, PhD , Community, Health Outcomes, and Intervention Research, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Hannah Valino , Clinical Integration Solutions, COPE Health Solutions, Los Angeles, CA
Background: Schools continue to be impacted by budget shortfalls, affecting the delivery of health educational classes. Identifying opportunities to deliver health-related information in after-school settings is an innovative approach to ensuring that students receive relevant information about their health. Purpose: A group was formed to develop culturally-relevant asthma education programs for after-school settings. This group included the Office of Community Engagement from the SC Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Breathe LA (BLA) - an organization committed to improving lung health through education - and COPE Health Solutions, a healthcare consortium focused on improving communication and coordination of health services. Significance: In some areas of Los Angeles County (LAC), asthma rates are as high as 22% among children, compared with 18%, and 14% in California and the US, respectively. Methods: This project utilized Photovoice to identify knowledge and perceptions of asthma triggers and management. A total of 12 Photovoice sessions (6 for students; 6 for adults) were convened to identify challenges from both children and parents. These data were then used to adapt the BLA asthma program. Results: Based on data from Photovoice and a review of evidence-based practices, our community advisory board recommended topics to include in the adapted curriculum (e.g., allergy comorbidity, development and review of asthma plans). Emphasis was placed on designing interactive activities, knowing that after-school programs must be delivered through innovative means to maintain participation. Conclusion: With the adaption process complete, the adapted curriculum will next be pilot-tested within after-school populations to assess acceptability and feasibility.

Learning Areas:
Environmental health sciences
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe processes for engaging after-school programs Identify methods to adapt and assess community-based interventions for evidence-based elements

Keywords: School-Based Programs, Community Collaboration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the Co-Investigator of this project and have designed all data collection methods. I hae an MA in cultural anthropology and PhD from Tulane University. I have experience as researcher at the Community, Health Outcomes and Intervention Research Program at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, where I direct studies on the cultural, social and psychological factors relating to risk and protective behaviors for substance use and HIV. I have presented nationally on public health topics.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 5211.1: School Nursing and School Health Services