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Niebur H, Rookwood A, Karki B, Abresch C. Toward a new model of childhood asthma care: community needs assessment in an underserved urban population. J Asthma 2023; 60:2064-2073. [PMID: 37171134 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2023.2213351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to utilize a community-engaged research approach to better understand gaps and opportunities for improving asthma care from the perspectives of patients, caregivers, community organization representatives, and healthcare providers in a predominantly minority community. METHODS Forty-one participants from four groups (patients, caregivers, community organization representatives, healthcare providers) participated in interviews or focus groups. A phenomenological approach to this qualitative research allowed the research team to better understand the lived experiences of families seeking asthma care in this community. RESULTS Five gaps and five corresponding opportunities were identified. The gaps identified were unequal healthcare resource distribution; underrepresentation of health professionals from diverse backgrounds; experiences of environmental racism; mistrust, bias, and discrimination in healthcare encounters; and systemic marginalization of communities. The opportunities identified include increasing healthcare infrastructure and accessibility; increasing racially, culturally, and linguistically congruent healthcare; implementing equitable improvements to the built environment; building relationships with communities and individuals; and acknowledging communities' strengths and resilience. CONCLUSION This study identified systemic gaps to asthma care that are of prominent concern to the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Niebur
- Department of Pediatrics, University of NE Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Aislinn Rookwood
- Department of Pediatrics, University of NE Medical Center, Omaha, USA
- Department of Health Promotion, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Bibhusha Karki
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Chad Abresch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of NE Medical Center, Omaha, USA
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Lappe BL, Ebelt S, D'Souza RR, Manangan A, Brown C, Saha S, Harris D, Chang HH, Sole A, Scovronick N. Pollen and asthma morbidity in Atlanta: A 26-year time-series study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:107998. [PMID: 37290290 PMCID: PMC10600739 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to many environmental risk factors, the relationship between pollen and asthma is understudied, including how associations may differ by pollen type and between subgroups, and how associations may be changing over time. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the association between ambient pollen concentrations and emergency department (ED) visits for asthma and wheeze in Atlanta, Georgia during 1993-2018. We estimated overall associations for 13 individual pollen taxa, as well as associations by decade, race, age (5-17, 18-64, 65+), and insurance status (Medicaid vs non-Medicaid). METHODS Speciated pollen data were acquired from Atlanta Allergy & Asthma, a nationally certified pollen counting station. ED visit data were obtained from individual hospitals and from the Georgia Hospital Association. We performed time-series analyses using quasi-Poisson distributed lag models, with primary analyses assessing 3-day (lag 0-2 days) pollen levels. Models controlled for day of week, holidays, air temperature, month, year, and month-by-year interactions. RESULTS From 1993 to 2018, there were 686,259 ED visits for asthma and wheeze in the dataset, and the number of ED visits increased over time. We observed positive associations of asthma and wheeze ED visits with nine of the 13 pollen taxa: trees (maple, birch, pine, oak, willow, sycamore, and mulberry), two weeds (nettle and pigweed), and grasses. Rate ratios indicated 1-8% increases in asthma and wheeze ED visits per standard deviation increases in pollen. In general, we observed stronger associations in the earliest period (1993-2000), in younger people, and in Black patients; however, results varied by pollen taxa. CONCLUSIONS Some, but not all, types of pollen are associated with increased ED visits for asthma/wheeze. Associations are generally higher in Black and younger patients and appear to have decreased over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke L Lappe
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stefanie Ebelt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Rohan R D'Souza
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Arie Manangan
- Climate and Health Program, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Claudia Brown
- Climate and Health Program, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shubhayu Saha
- Climate and Health Program, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Office of Climate Change and Health Equity, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington DC, USA
| | - Drew Harris
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Howard H Chang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adam Sole
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Noah Scovronick
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Community-Based Approach to Assess Obstructive Respiratory Diseases and Risk in Urban African American Churches. J Immigr Minor Health 2023; 25:389-397. [PMID: 36307622 PMCID: PMC9616427 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-022-01405-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are significant health problems that have disparate effects on many Americans. Misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis are common and lead to ineffective treatment and management. This study assessed the feasibility of applying a two-step case-finding technique to identify both COPD and adult asthma cases in urban African American churches. We established a community-based partnership, administered a cross-sectional survey in step one of the case-finding technique and performed spirometry testing in step two. A total of 219 surveys were completed. Provider-diagnosed asthma and COPD were reported in 26% (50/193) and 9.6% (18/187) of the sample. Probable asthma (13.9%), probable COPD (23.1%), and COPD high-risk groups (31.9%) were reported. It is feasible to establish active case-finding within the African American church community using a two-step approach to successfully identify adult asthma and COPD probable cases for early detection and treatment to reduce disparate respiratory health outcomes.
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Graham L, Hart M, Stinson M, Moise R, Mitchell L, Winders TA, Gardner DD. "Black People Like Me": A virtual conference series to engage underserved patients with asthma in patient centered outcomes research. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2023; 9:13. [PMID: 36964633 PMCID: PMC10037352 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-023-00428-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to racial inequity in asthma, asthma-related research among diverse patients is vital. However, people from historically marginalized groups are underrepresented in clinical and patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR). The "Black People Like Me" (BPLM) virtual conference series was developed to: (1) engage Black patients with asthma and their caregivers in education and discussions about asthma, and (2) encourage involvement in PCOR. Education about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination was also incorporated. METHODS The Project Advisory Group consisting of Black patients, clergy, physicians, and a program evaluator met monthly to develop BPLM. The program consisted of free one-hour virtual sessions held monthly for 6 months. BPLM was promoted through the Allergy & Asthma Network website, emails, social media, and personal contacts with a recruitment goal of ≥ 100 Black patients with asthma or caregivers. Program evaluations, interactive polling questions during each session, and participant pre- and post-session tests were conducted. RESULTS Sessions averaged 658 participants including Black patients, family members, caregivers, Black clergy, health care providers, and other concerned community. Overall, 77% of participants strongly agreed with satisfaction with the sessions. Pre- and post-tests demonstrated that participants exhibited growth in knowledge regarding asthma risk, PCOR, and PCOR research opportunities for patients, exhibited preexisting and sustained knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccination and side effects, and demonstrated an increased sense of empowerment during healthcare visits. CONCLUSIONS BPLM demonstrated that a virtual platform can successfully engage Black communities. Incorporating clergy and religious organizations was critical in developing the trust of the Black community towards BPLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeRoy Graham
- Allergy and Asthma Network, 10304 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - Mary Hart
- Allergy and Asthma Network, 10304 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | | | - Rhoda Moise
- Rhoda Moise, LLC (dba Dr. Rho Wellness), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lynda Mitchell
- Allergy and Asthma Network, 10304 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - Tonya A Winders
- Allergy and Asthma Network, 10304 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - Donna D Gardner
- Allergy and Asthma Network, 10304 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA.
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Corbett M, Allen A, Bobo N, Foggs MB, Fonacier LS, Gupta R, Kowalsky R, Martinez E, Begolka WS, Zachary C, Blaiss MS. Proposed solutions by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and advocacy experts to address racial disparities in atopic dermatitis and food allergy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2023; 130:392-396.e2. [PMID: 36538973 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergies are more prevalent and more severe in people with skin of color than White individuals. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) sought to understand the effects of racial disparities among patients with skin of color with AD and food allergies. The ACAAI surveyed its members (N = 200 completed), conducted interviews with health care providers and advocacy leaders, and hosted a roundtable to explore the challenges of diagnosis and management of AD and food allergies in people with skin of color and to discuss potential solutions. Most of the survey respondents (68%) agreed that racial disparities make it difficult for people with skin of color to receive adequate treatment for AD and food allergies. The interviews and roundtable identified access to care, burden of costs, policies and infrastructure that limit access to safe foods and patient education, and inadequate research involving people with skin of color as obstacles to care. Proposed solutions included identifying ways to recruit more people with skin of color into clinical trials and medical school, educating health care providers about diagnosis and treating AD and food allergy in people with skin of color, improving access to safe foods, creating and disseminating culturally appropriate materials for patients, and working toward longer appointment times for patients who need them. Challenges in AD and food allergy in persons with skin of color were identified by the ACAAI members. Solutions to these challenges were proposed to inspire actions to mitigate racial disparities in AD and food allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abby Allen
- Peninsula Allergy & Asthma, Georgetown, Delaware
| | - Nichole Bobo
- National Association of School Nurses, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | | | - Luz S Fonacier
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island, Mineola, New York
| | - Ruchi Gupta
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rachel Kowalsky
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York; Section on Minority Health Equity and Inclusion, American Academy of Pediatrics, Itasca, Illinois
| | | | | | | | - Michael S Blaiss
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia.
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Louisias M, Hicks R, Jacobs S, Foggs MB. The Role of Physician Advocacy in Achieving Health Equity: Where Is the Allergist-Immunologist? THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2022; 10:910-917. [PMID: 35131512 PMCID: PMC9007906 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
As allergists and immunologists many of us have likely worked in the capacity of being an advocate for individual patients. However, how many of us are aware of our ability to be effective advocates who address root causes of health issues through policy changes? Physician advocacy is not a core competency medical specialty training (except pediatrics), yet physicians' clinical and research expertise and professional experience can be leveraged to shape policy. This rostrum describes the spectrum of activities for a physician advocate, barriers to physician advocacy, and actionable steps to encouraging the training and expansion of advocacy efforts by allergists and immunologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margee Louisias
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
| | - Roselyn Hicks
- Department of Pediatrics, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Samantha Jacobs
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Michael B Foggs
- Advocate Medical Group, Advocate Aurora Health, Chicago, Ill
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Prevention and Outpatient Treatment of Asthma Exacerbations in Children. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 9:2567-2576. [PMID: 34246433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute exacerbations cause significant morbidity and mortality in children with asthma worldwide. Although exacerbations can be minor and transient, in some children they are recurrent and significantly adversely impact quality of life. Children with frequent exacerbations account for a disproportionate amount of unscheduled care in nonprimary health facilities. Frequent exacerbators are often prescribed controller medications, but poor adherence is common. Major predictors for asthma exacerbations include genetic, social, comorbid, biological, and environmental factors. Although virus infections are a key trigger for exacerbations, other environmental factors also significantly increase risk. A previous exacerbation is a major risk factor for future exacerbations and thus identifies children to target for prevention of future episodes. In this review, we discuss both modifiable and fixed factors associated with asthma exacerbations, how to assess children for risk, and which pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions may be of benefit. Finally, we review the current evidence around treatment within the outpatient setting for an emerging exacerbation.
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Teague WG. Pediatric Severe Asthma in the Era of Biologic Treatments. PEDIATRIC ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY AND PULMONOLOGY 2020; 33:118-120. [PMID: 32953228 DOI: 10.1089/ped.2020.1249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W Gerald Teague
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy, Immunology, and Sleep, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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