Population Characteristics Suggest Modifications to Proposed Pediatric Asthma Intervention Program

DeMoss, Margaret W., Population Characteristics Suggest Modifications to Proposed Pediatric Asthma Intervention Program. Master of Public Health, August, 1998, 57 pp., 4 tables, 1 illustration, 2 appendices, reference list, 46 titles. Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease affecting almost 5 million children in this country. The children most as risk for developing asthma come from low income, minority, and urban families. This studies examines a proposed pediatric asthma intervention program targeting Tarrant County area Medicaid clients. The purpose of this study is to define different subgroups and preferences among those clients and to recommend modifications that are likely to improve program outcomes. Recommendations were based on information gathered from interviews with 70 families, all having at least one child with asthma. Specific interests in learning more about asthma as well as learning preferences are tested for association with a variety of family characteristics. Although no statistically significant results were determined for subgroups, descriptive findings reveal that a large minority of respondents are interested in more information about asthma, but not necessarily by the means proposed. The study also suggests special needs for families with very young children, for those with adult asthma, and for Hispanics.