Asthma is a leading chronic illness among children and adolescents in the United States. This study examined the relationship between asthma and both overweight and physical activity levels. Results are based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2003 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a cross-sectional survey of health risk behaviors among a representative sample of high school students in the United States. The overall survey response rate was 67% and the results are based on weighted data. SUDAAN was used for all data analysis (prevalence estimates and logistic regression) because it accounts for the complex sampling design of the survey. Significantly more students with current asthma than without were overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 1.6) and described themselves as overweight (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.4). Significantly more students with current asthma than without used a computer for non-schoolwork 3 or more hours/day (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1, 1.5). No significant differences were found for participation in sufficient vigorous or moderate physical activity or strengthening exercises among students with and without current asthma. Unlike some other risk factors for developing or exacerbating asthma, overweight and physical activity are generally modifiable. School and community policies and programs can play an important role in asthma management, including promoting the maintenance of an appropriate weight and encouraging continued physical activity.
Asthma morbidity in pediatric patients can be signifi cantly reduced through the coordinated efforts of asthma care clinicians, families, and schools. The efforts of asthma care clinicians and schools, both individually and collectively, should address the medical and psychosocial needs of the patient. The synergy created by each playing an active role in pediatric asthma management assists the patient in gaining adequate asthma control. In addition to writing asthma action plans for their patients, clinicians can work with schools more effectively by focusing their efforts on the following key actions: promoting asthma-friendly schools; identifying schoolaged children with asthma; educating patients and school staff about asthma; assisting patients, families, and schools in reducing exposure to environmental triggers; assisting the school staff in helping students manage their asthma at school; and playing an active role in monitoring and coordinating care with schools and families by working closely with care coordinators/case managers. School-based asthma management programs can assist families and asthma care clinicians in achieving good asthma control for school-aged patients. This article reviews recent research fi ndings and provides guidance for asthma care clinicians on how to enhance a full range of school-based asthma management for their patients.
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