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Nutrition and education intervention in asthmatic Head Start children in the District of Columbia
Author(s) -
Lockwood Susan D,
Harland Barbara F
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.677.13
Subject(s) - overweight , medicine , asthma , head start , psychological intervention , body mass index , intervention (counseling) , obesity , emergency department , environmental health , family medicine , pediatrics , physical therapy , nursing , psychology , developmental psychology
The purpose of this intervention is to improve the nutrition and asthma management of low‐income, asthmatic children in the Washington, DC Head Start Program. The goals are to reduce missed school days, hospital emergency room visits, and improve their nutrition. Emergency departments in the District of Columbia experience approximately 7000 pediatric, asthma‐related visits per year. Studies have concluded that the prevalence of overweight is significantly higher in children with moderate to severe asthma. Overweight asthmatic children experience greater asthma symptoms. Asthma severity and parental health beliefs contribute to the lower activity level of these children. Two, three‐hour educational interventions for parents/caregivers relative to asthma management include nutritional and activity components. Measurement of body mass index identifies the degree of overweight, and a 3‐day dietary intake, food allergies, and a record of activity level provide data for the development of an individualized “Asthma Action Plan”. Telephone follow‐up monitors compliance. (Research Support: Research Infrastructure in Minority Institutions Project, 2006–2008)