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Schools’ Capacity to Help Low-Income, Minority Children to Manage Asthma

Elizabeth W. Anderson, MPH, was affiliated with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Health Behavior and Health Education, and currently is affiliated with the School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI

Melissa Valerio, MPH

Melissa Valerio, MPH, is affiliated with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Health Behavior and Health Education, Ann Arbor, MI

Manlan Liu, MS

Manlan Liu, MS, was affiliated with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Health Behavior and Health Education, Ann Arbor, MI, at the time of the study

Dana Jones Benet, PhD

Dana Jones Benet, PhD, is affiliated with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Health Behavior and Health Education, Ann Arbor, MI

Christine Joseph, PhD

Christine Joseph, PhD, is Senior Epidemiologist, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI

Randall Brown, MD

Randall Brown, MD, is Assistant Professor of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI

Noreen M. Clark, PhD

Noreen M. Clark, PhD, is dean and Marshall H. Becker Professor of Public Health and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

This article describes the challenges and strengths of asthma management in 14 low-income, predominantly African American urban elementary schools serving more than 5,000 students. Asthma prevalence was 24.5%. Teachers, school principals, parents, and children described how asthma was managed at school. Data from classmates of students with asthma showed that they had moderate to high levels of information about the disease. Data from teachers indicated the great need for practical instruction on how they might effectively support a child with asthma in the classroom and on the playground. Principals raised concerns about expectations for the functioning of school staff and implementation of school policies especially related to asthma emergencies. Parents reported a range of problems their children face at school. Data from children with asthma showed that 75% believed asthma affected their schoolwork. Findings from this study should be useful to school personnel, health providers, and others who assist children and their families to manage asthma at school. Data suggest that making school nursing services available is warranted, given the impact of asthma on the school community.

Key Words: childhood asthma • school-based education • school performance • urban children

The Journal of School Nursing, Vol. 21, No. 4, 236-242 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/10598405050210040901


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