Mental, emotional, and social problems among school children with asthma
Date
2008
Authors
Collins, J.
Gill, T.
Chittleborough, C.
Martin, A.
Taylor, A.
Winefield, H.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Journal of Asthma, 2008; 45(6):489-493
Statement of Responsibility
Joanne E. Collins, Tiffany K. Gill, Catherine R. Chittleborough, A. James Martin, Anne W. Taylor, Helen Winefield
Conference Name
Abstract
Objectives: To use representative population chronic disease and risk factor data to investigate the relationship between asthma and social factors in school-age children. Methods: Representative cross-sectional data for children 5 to 15 years of age were collected from 2002 to June 2007 (n = 4,611) in the South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System (SAMSS) using Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to investigate the variables that were associated with asthma among children. Results: The overall prevalence of self-reported asthma among children 5 to 15 years of age was 18.6% (95% CI = 17.5-19.8). Children with asthma were more likely to have been treated for a mental health problem, have been unhappy at school, have been absent from school in the last month, have fair or poor overall health and well-being, have ongoing pain or chronic illness, and less likely to have a group of friends to play with. Asthma was also more prevalent among males and less likely to occur in children from households where the gross annual income was greater than $AU80,000. Conclusions: Children with asthma were more likely to be treated for a mental health problem and demonstrate more negative social outcomes as well as poorer overall health and well-being. Asthma management plans need to be sensitive to these psychosocial factors for adequate care of these vulnerable young patients.