The impact of literacy enhancement on asthma-related outcomes among underserved children.

Statement Of Problem: Despite the availability of improved healthcare access, self-management programs, disease management protocols, and advances in pharmacologic and immunotherapy therapy, the prevalence of asthma in the urban inner city remains one of the major health disparities in the United States. Additionally, sustainability of effective intervention programs after the funding has ended remains a significant issue for asthma programs.

Objective: This study examines the effectiveness of a longitudinal intervention program that was designed with the assumption that improved literacy plays a role in improving asthma-related health outcomes among high-risk children with the most severe forms of asthma.

Methods: A longitudinal intervention over 6 months prospectively addressed the literacy and asthma self-management skills of 110 minority children in South Los Angeles utilizing weekly Saturday-school format.

Results: The results demonstrated that there was a statistically significant decrease in both hospitalization and emergency department (ED) visits during the intervention. In addition, all the children showed significant improvement in their reading level and self-efficacy. Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that enhanced self-efficacy was directly related to decreased hospitalizations and ED visits.

Conclusion: This intervention demonstrated that literacy enhancement is an important factor in improving self-efficacy and impacting asthma-related outcomes. Improved literacy is a sustainable factor that will not only improve asthma outcomes but will enhance the potential for educational success.