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Mahdavinia M, Poole JA, Apter AJ, Pacheco SE, Pappalardo AA, Matsui EC, Davis CM, Bernstein JA. Volunteerism Addressing Environmental Disparities in Allergy (VAEDIA): The presidential initiative to combat environmental injustice in allergy and immunology-a Work Group Report of the AAAAI VAEDIA task force. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 154:59-67. [PMID: 38795076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Many vulnerable people lose their health or lives each year as a result of unhealthy environmental conditions that perpetuate medical conditions within the scope of allergy and immunology specialists' expertise. While detrimental environmental factors impact all humans globally, the effect is disproportionately more profound in impoverished neighborhoods. Environmental injustice is the inequitable exposure of disadvantaged populations to environmental hazards. Professional medical organizations such as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) are well positioned to engage and encourage community outreach volunteer programs to combat environmental justice. Here we discuss how environmental injustices and climate change impacts allergic diseases among vulnerable populations. We discuss pathways allergists/immunologists can use to contribute to addressing environmental determinants by providing volunteer clinical service, education, and advocacy. Furthermore, allergists/immunologists can play a role in building trust within these communities, partnering with other patient advocacy nonprofit stakeholders, and engaging with local, state, national, and international nongovernmental organizations, faith-based organizations, and governments. The AAAAI's Volunteerism Addressing Environmental Disparities in Allergy (VAEDIA) is the presidential task force aiming to promote volunteer initiatives by creating platforms for discussion and collaboration and by funding community-based projects to address environmental injustice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboobeh Mahdavinia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, UT Health Houston, Houston.
| | - Jill A Poole
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Neb
| | - Andrea J Apter
- Section of Allergy & Immunology, Division of Pulmonary Allergy & Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Susan E Pacheco
- Department of Pediatrics, Pulmonary Division, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas, Houston, Tex
| | - Andrea A Pappalardo
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep & Allergy, University of Illinois, Chicago, Ill
| | - Elizabeth C Matsui
- departments of Pediatrics and Population Health, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Tex
| | - Carla M Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
| | - Jonathan A Bernstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Han YY, Gutwein A, Apter A, Celedón JC. Health literacy and asthma: An update. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:1241-1251. [PMID: 38135010 PMCID: PMC11070295 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The US Department of Health and Human Services has defined health literacy (HL) as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. Structural and social determinants of health lead to low HL in approximately 36% of adults in the United States, where this condition is most prevalent in racial and ethnic minorities, economically disadvantaged communities, and immigrants with limited English proficiency. In turn, low HL can worsen asthma outcomes through direct effects (eg, nonadherence to or incorrect use of medications) and indirect effects (eg, an unhealthy diet leading to obesity, a risk factor for asthma morbidity). The purpose of this update is to examine evidence from studies on low HL and health and asthma outcomes published in the last 12 years, identify approaches to improve HL and reduce health disparities in asthma, and discuss future directions for research in this area under the conceptual framework of a socioecological model that illustrates the multifactorial and interconnected complexity of this public health issue at different levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Ying Han
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Amanda Gutwein
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Andrea Apter
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Juan C Celedón
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa.
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Chu DK, Schneider L, Asiniwasis RN, Boguniewicz M, De Benedetto A, Ellison K, Frazier WT, Greenhawt M, Huynh J, Kim E, LeBovidge J, Lind ML, Lio P, Martin SA, O'Brien M, Ong PY, Silverberg JI, Spergel JM, Wang J, Wheeler KE, Guyatt GH, Capozza K, Begolka WS, Chu AWL, Zhao IX, Chen L, Oykhman P, Bakaa L, Golden D, Shaker M, Bernstein JA, Greenhawt M, Horner CC, Lieberman J, Stukus D, Rank MA, Wang J, Ellis A, Abrams E, Ledford D, Chu DK. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) guidelines: 2023 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters GRADE- and Institute of Medicine-based recommendations. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024; 132:274-312. [PMID: 38108679 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidance addressing atopic dermatitis (AD) management, last issued in 2012 by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Joint Task Force, requires updating as a result of new treatments and improved guideline and evidence synthesis methodology. OBJECTIVE To produce evidence-based guidelines that support patients, clinicians, and other decision-makers in the optimal treatment of AD. METHODS A multidisciplinary guideline panel consisting of patients and caregivers, AD experts (dermatology and allergy/immunology), primary care practitioners (family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine), and allied health professionals (psychology, pharmacy, nursing) convened, prioritized equity, diversity, and inclusiveness, and implemented management strategies to minimize influence of conflicts of interest. The Evidence in Allergy Group supported guideline development by performing systematic evidence reviews, facilitating guideline processes, and holding focus groups with patient and family partners. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach informed rating the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations. Evidence-to-decision frameworks, subjected to public comment, translated evidence to recommendations using trustworthy guideline principles. RESULTS The panel agreed on 25 recommendations to gain and maintain control of AD for patients with mild, moderate, and severe AD. The eAppendix provides practical information and implementation considerations in 1-2 page patient-friendly handouts. CONCLUSION These evidence-based recommendations address optimal use of (1) topical treatments (barrier moisturization devices, corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, PDE4 inhibitors [crisaborole], topical JAK inhibitors, occlusive [wet wrap] therapy, adjunctive antimicrobials, application frequency, maintenance therapy), (2) dilute bleach baths, (3) dietary avoidance/elimination, (4) allergen immunotherapy, and (5) systemic treatments (biologics/monoclonal antibodies, small molecule immunosuppressants [cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate, JAK inhibitors], and systemic corticosteroids) and UV phototherapy (light therapy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek K Chu
- Departments of Medicine and Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Evidence in Allergy Group, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada.
| | - Lynda Schneider
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | | | - Mark Boguniewicz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Division of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
| | - Anna De Benedetto
- Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | | | - Winfred T Frazier
- Department of Family Medicine, UPMC St. Margaret, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Matthew Greenhawt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Section of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Joey Huynh
- Sepulveda VA Medical Center, North Hills, California
| | | | - Jennifer LeBovidge
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mary Laura Lind
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Peter Lio
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Stephen A Martin
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Monica O'Brien
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peck Y Ong
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Department of Pediatrics, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jonathan I Silverberg
- Department of Dermatology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jonathan M Spergel
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Julie Wang
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York
| | - Kathryn E Wheeler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Gordon H Guyatt
- Departments of Medicine and Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Evidence in Allergy Group, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Korey Capozza
- Global Parents for Eczema Research, Santa Barbara, California
| | | | - Alexandro W L Chu
- Departments of Medicine and Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Evidence in Allergy Group, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Irene X Zhao
- Departments of Medicine and Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Evidence in Allergy Group, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Lina Chen
- Departments of Medicine and Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Evidence in Allergy Group, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Paul Oykhman
- Departments of Medicine and Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Evidence in Allergy Group, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Layla Bakaa
- Departments of Medicine and Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Evidence in Allergy Group, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
| | - David Golden
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marcus Shaker
- Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Section of Allergy, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | | | - Matthew Greenhawt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Section of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Caroline C Horner
- Division of Allergy and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Jay Lieberman
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center and LeBonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - David Stukus
- Nationwide Children's Hospital and Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Matthew A Rank
- Mayo Clinic in Arizona and Phoenix Children's Hospital, Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Julie Wang
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York
| | - Anne Ellis
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elissa Abrams
- Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Dennis Ledford
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida and James A. Haley Veterans' Affairs Hospital, Tampa, Florida
| | - Derek K Chu
- Departments of Medicine and Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Evidence in Allergy Group, McMaster University and The Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
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Asiniwasis R, Merati N, Roesler J, Simpson EL, Aubry R, McMullen E, Fraess L, Choi UY, Hinther K, Chu DK, Jack C. The Social and Home Environment: Impacts of Determinants of Health on Atopic Dermatitis, Pathways Toward Solutions, and Unique Considerations for Rural and Remote North American Indigenous Populations. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:290-299. [PMID: 38013155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Disparities in environmental and social determinants of health (DOH) are associated with morbidity in atopic dermatitis (AD). The socioecological model (SEM) is a framework that can be applied to better understand how such DOH impacts patients with AD. We include a case scenario of a remote Indigenous patient reflective of real-world situations of living with AD and examine relevant impact, gaps in knowledge, and further research needs. This review highlights a variety of social and environmental exposures as important DOH which must be addressed to achieve optimal management in AD. The "rainbow model" is a modified framework to help illustrate how complex environmental and social forces impact both AD presentation and therapeutic success. However, practical applications and outcome metrics for health promotion are limited. An inter- and transdisciplinary approach is paramount to address the complex challenges associated with AD care, as well as multistakeholder approach integrating culturally-competent equitable health frameworks. This review underscores the importance of expanding the focus of AD management beyond basic science and clinical trials to recognize and address health disparities and to promote optimal health and well-being in patients with AD, and contributes a working approach to mapping the complex interventions and patient-oriented research needed using a focus on remote North American Indigenous patients affected by AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Asiniwasis
- Division of Dermatology, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Nickoo Merati
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jordanna Roesler
- Department of Dermatology & Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eric L Simpson
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore
| | - Rachel Aubry
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eric McMullen
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Fraess
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - U Yeong Choi
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelsey Hinther
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Derek K Chu
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carolyn Jack
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Jones BL, Carter MC, Davis CM, Wang J. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Decade of Progress? THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:116-125. [PMID: 36272720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental and more recently heavily discussed within medicine, research, and the larger society. There is increasing awareness that diversity of thoughts, perspectives, and backgrounds yields stronger teams and more effective results. There is also increasing awareness that stark inequities from systemic, institutional, and individual levels exist that limit the baseline opportunities for many populations. To close disparity gaps, broad aspects of diversity and promoting equity are required and efforts must be inclusive of those most marginalized. In this Clinical Commentary, we discuss, "How and If progress has been made in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion within the field of Allergy/Asthma/Immunology in the past decade?" We discuss the current state of clinical practice and what has been revealed over the past 10 years; describe our current workforce and what progress has or has not occurred there; and finally, review the state of scientific and medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette L Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy, Asthma, Immunology and Division of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo.
| | - Melody C Carter
- Mast Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Carla M Davis
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Retrovirology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Julie Wang
- Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy & Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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