Results of a culturally directed asthma intervention program in an inner-city Latino community.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of an asthma intervention program targeted to a predominantly Latino population of inner-city, adult asthma patients with a recent emergency department (ED) visit for asthma care.


METHODS
A prospective study measuring changes in asthma quality of life (QOL), asthma knowledge, and ED and hospital utilization in a group of patients enrolled in an outpatient asthma intervention program.


METHODS
Academic medical center located in New York City (NYC) and a local community-based organization.


METHODS
One hundred ninety-eight patients with asthma > 18 years of age and residing in Washington Heights/Inwood, a predominantly Latino community in NYC.


METHODS
Changes were assessed by hospital and ED utilization and mini-Juniper QOL score before and after the intervention.


RESULTS
From July 2000 through December 2002, 198 patients agreed to be enrolled into an asthma intervention program. The mini-Juniper QOL score improved by 0.67 points. There was a 40% reduction in ED visits and a 36% reduction in hospitalizations over 1 year, compared with a 10% reduction in ED visits and no reduction in hospitalization rate for a control group who declined the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
A culturally targeted asthma intervention program in adult individuals living in a predominantly Latino area of NYC is effective in reducing ED and hospital utilization for asthma, and improving overall asthma-related QOL.
Tatis
Vianessa
V
Alianza Dominicana, The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Remache
Digna
D
DiMango
Emily
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014505:Urban Population