This study examined the outcomes a multifaceted home-based urban asthma program implemented through a city health department in a large Midwestern city. The purpose of the program was to improve asthma outcomes and reduce unintentional injury by mediating indoor asthma triggers and safety hazards in the home environment. Participants received home based education, cleaning and other supplies as well as physical home interventions such as mold abatement and pest control. A total of 310 low-income caregivers of children with asthma received services through the program.
Outcomes were evaluated using survey data collected at baseline and 6 months following the intervention. A total of 115 participants for whom baseline and follow-up data were available were included in this analysis. Results showed statistically significant reduction in the following outcomes following the intervention: asthma symptom days, nighttime awakenings, days with activity limitation, and albuterol use. Emergency room visits, missed school days, and caregiver missed work days also were reduced significantly. There was no statistically significant reduction in hospitalizations. Caregiver quality of life showed significant improvement following the intervention, and caregivers were significantly more likely to report engaging in asthma trigger reducing household activities.
Overall the program was found to have been successful in improving short- and long-term asthma outcomes and in improving caregiver quality of life. Program outcomes were similar to outcomes of comparable multifaceted home based interventions that have been described in the literature.