Asthma Case Finding in Head Start Children

Authors: Huilin (Kelly) Li, Kate Lin, Sehee Hwang, Ahmed Musa

Field of Study: Nursing

Faculty Mentors: Judith Quaranta, Rosa Darling

Easel: 28

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: Asthma affects 14% of children worldwide. Those living below the federal poverty level had highest prevalence, linking low socioeconomic status to increased risk. Complications like airway remodeling can result from poor disease management. This study assesses asthma risk in the Head Start population. A descriptive correlation study assessed asthma risk on five factors (α=.82). Frequencies, chi squares, logistic regression and asthma probabilities were conducted. 11% of N= 533 children ages 3-5 had an asthma diagnosis. Children without asthma had a mean of 0.8 symptoms and those with asthma had 3.62 symptoms (p < .001). ER visits and nighttime symptoms were significantly associated with asthma risk. Having 3+ symptoms increased risk by more than 50%. Asthma risk among children in Head Start is associated with presence and frequency of respiratory symptoms, particularly ER visits and nighttime symptoms. Early asthma detection can lead to timely intervention, improving long-term health outcomes.