Recorded presentation

Edwina V. Davis, MS, CHES¹, Mary-Frances Kornak, MPH¹, and Kerda DeHaan, MS². (1) Maternal and Familiy Health Adminstration, DC Department of Health, Children with Special Health Care Needs Division, 33 N Street, NE 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20002, 202-727-4898, eddavis@dchealth.com, (2) Department of Health, District of Columbia Department of Health, 825 North Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Objective: To identify vulnerable populations in the District of Columbia and implement evidence-based intervention models to reduce the burden of Asthma.

Setting: Based on the goals of the DC CAN Project, there is a need to reduce the prevalence of asthma in the District of Columbia.

Method: Three major data sets: the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS); inpatient hospital discharge data; and mortality files were analyzed to determine the prevalence of asthma in DC.

Results: Results from the 2002 BRFSS survey, showed the prevalence of asthma in DC was 9.1%. Demographically the highest rates of asthma exist in the 0-4-age group (51 per 10,000), females (10.3%), the elderly (5%), Blacks (9.4%), and Hispanics (12.5%). Socioeconomic factors such as low income and lower education level also were associated with high asthma prevalence. Hospital discharge and mortality data mirrors these findings. Geographically, Wards 4, 6, 7, and 8 have the highest asthma death rates and prevalence.

Conclusion: Data analysis has proven the need for surveillance to target special interest populations to reduce the asthma burden in the District of Columbia. Targeted interventions should be implemented in Wards 4, 6, 7, and 8 according to our analysis. Children and women need increased asthma management education. Environmental assessments should be targeted toward childcare facilities and senior citizen’s homes.

Learning Objective: At the conclusion, individuals will be able to use data to guide program planning and recognize asthma’s impact on diverse populations.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion, individuals will be able to use data to guide program planning and recognize asthma’s impact on diverse populations.

Keywords: Asthma, Epidemiology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Recorded presentation