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Applying the Social Ecological Model to Creating Asthma‐Friendly Schools in Louisiana
Author(s) -
Nuss Henry J.,
Hester Laura L.,
Perry Mark A.,
StewartBriley Collette,
Reagon Valamar M.,
Collins Pamela
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12369
Subject(s) - asthma , social ecological model , asthma management , medicine , environmental health , identification (biology) , quality (philosophy) , business , ecology , pathology , biology , philosophy , epistemology
BACKGROUND In 2010, the Louisiana Asthma Management and Prevention Program ( LAMP ) implemented the Asthma‐Friendly Schools Initiative in high‐risk Louisiana populations. The social ecological model ( SEM ) was used as a framework for an asthma program implemented in 70 state K‐12 public schools over 2 years. METHODS Activities included a needs assessment, identification of students with asthma, individualized asthma action plans ( AAP ), staff trainings, environmental quality improvement, and school system policy changes to address the asthma burden. RESULTS There were 522 new or existing asthma cases recognized. Asthma knowledge/awareness was measurably improved among school personnel. School indoor air quality was improved across all locations. School‐level polices were adopted that improved AAP collection, compliance to bus‐idling restrictions, and asthma medication self‐carry. CONCLUSIONS The SEM framework can be used for school‐based programs to address successfully and improve asthma‐related issues from the individual through policy levels.