141st APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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Recorded Annual Meeting Presentations (RAMP) are now available for purchase.
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293604
Distribution of asthma prevalence and risk factors among children aged 0 to 14 years in 6 counties in north Texas, 2012, with a focus on mental health


Tuesday, November 5, 2013 : 11:10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Rebekah Hahn, PhD, MPH, CPH, Clinical Affairs, Orthofix, Inc, Lewsiville, TX
Background: Although the prevalence of asthma and its effects remain steady, asthma affects ~6.7 million children in the U.S. Its causes are unknown, so the focus is on identifying high-risk groups in order to control its effects and reduce racial disparities. Methods: Data were collected in 6 counties in North Texas by the Center for Children's Health in Fort Worth, Texas as part of their 2012 Community-wide Children's Health Assessment & Planning Surveys (CCHAPS). The outcome was current asthma prevalence. Demographic distribution was determined overall and per county. The effect of asthma on use of services and access to care was assessed, as was the relationship between asthma and mental health. Results: This population had a higher prevalence (11.0%) than the U.S. and Texas (7.8% and 8.5%, respectively ). Children with asthma were 3.4 times more likely to self-report as not in good health. Racial disparities and differences in access to mental health care were present. Children with asthma were also twice as likely to have ADD/ADHD. Conclusions: To reduce the impact of asthma, focus on high-risk groups, including boys, racial minorities and those with mental health diagnoses. Understanding the day-to-day effect and identifying effective interventions will help mobilize the community to control this disease.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the distribution of asthma in children aged 0 to 14 years in the 6 counties as a whole, as well as within each county separately according to age, race, sex, parental income, parental education, and other pertinent demographic information. Analyze the association of asthma with various life problems to find ways to mobilize the community against asthma Describe evidence-based interventions that reduce asthma morbidity and unscheduled health care use

Keyword(s): Asthma, Children's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: By the time of presentation, I will have an MPH in Epidemiology and my CPH certification. I have also been working under Dr. David Sterling, who has a great deal of experience in asthma research and under Dr. Jackie Meeks, how has a great deal of experience in community health research. I am also currently working on a project related to asthma and superfund sites in the state of TX with Dr. Sterling (among others).
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: 4130.0: Community-Hospital Partnership to Promote Children's Health: The Center for Children's Health CCHAPS Survey