Asthma Case Finding in Head Start Children

Authors: Keying Li, Rinzin Khando, Kate Lin, Belinda Rodriguez, Lucas Sanchez, Jasmine Shek, Yuna Shi, Winnie Wang

Field of Study: Health and Wellness

Faculty Mentors: Judith Quaranta, Rosa Darling

Easel: 92

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Head Start children are at higher asthma risk. Disparities in social determinants of health may contribute to this disparity. It is essential to identify those children at risk for adverse outcomes to prevent the airway remodeling associated with uncontrolled asthma.This descriptive correlational study surveyed parents of children enrolled in Head Start on respiratory symptoms indicative of possible asthma to determine asthma prevalence and asthma risk in 2015 and 2025. 2015: N= 133. Asthma rate 17.2% with many potentially uncontrolled ( 20% wheezing, 26% cough lasting > one week; 30% difficulty sleeping due to cough;11% ER visit or admitted; 9% missed school). 2025: Data is currently being collected for comparable analysis.These findings show unsettling rates of asthma risk in the Head Start population. The need for increased parental education on asthma symptoms and management is imperative to intervene early before adverse asthma outcomes occur.