The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is conducting a study of pediatric asthma (ages 5-14) in the Merrimack Valley region of Massachusetts. The study has two primary objectives: (1) To determine the prevalence of asthma in this population through the review of school health records, while assessing their value as a surveillance tool; and (2) To link the health data with modeled air pollution emissions data to determine if the prevalence of asthma appears greater in areas of the Valley more likely to be impacted by air toxics than other areas. Data were collected from all 64 public schools and 20 private schools (N=37,552) that comprise the six community study area. Information was abstracted on address, sex, race/ethnicity, and age, as well as general absenteeism information, on all students. Additional data were abstracted on asthmatic students, including diagnosis, medications, insurance status, and days absent. Environmental data were compiled on all major and many minor sources of air pollution in the Valley (N=48), including four incinerators. Cumulative environmental impacts of known or suspected asthmagens from all sources were estimated using computer modeling. Linkage of health and environmental data is through the ARCView geographic information system. This presentation will focus on the methods of the project and on available preliminary findings of the use of school health records as a surveillance tool. The project is partially supported through funding provided by the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Learning Objectives: Participants will understand the practical elements of instituting this type of surveillance, its effectiveness in ascertaining diagnosed asthma among children, and its utility in assessing associations between prevalence and air pollution. Methods for linking health and environmental data using GIS will be identified.
Keywords: Asthma, Epidemiology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.