Implementation of an Asthma Program to Improve Asthma Identification and Education in Children

Implementation of an Asthma Program to Improve Asthma Identification and Education in Children

The primary objective of this study is to document the prevalence and associations between asthma, hypertension, and obesity in children living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and its surrounding regions.

The secondary objective is to determine the impact of various educational interventions on child and caregiver knowledge of asthma.

The Asthma Program will consist of six screenings and three camps each year, for two consecutive years. Screenings will be conducted in areas where populations are known to be at increased risk for asthma and its complications, such as inner-city, lower socioeconomic, African-American populations. Screenings will be conducted at churches or schools in these areas one month prior to each camp in an effort to identify children with undiagnosed or uncontrolled asthma and refer them to the camps. Camps will also be conducted in areas where populations are known to be at increased risk for asthma and its complications to improve ease of access. Asthma and smoking cessation education will be provided at each camp to children and caregivers. Baseline data will be collected at each camp and assessed. Longitudinal clinical outcomes will be assessed in children attending multiple camps.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children, ages 5- 17 years attending the asthma camps and screenings.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children younger than 5 years of age and adults 18 years of age and older.