Hispanic Housing Disparities and its relationship with asthma

Abstract

Abstract Introduction. Asthma is a chronic relapsing condition whose successful treatment is impacted by the spacing between exacerbations. Still, such spacing may not be optimal when the built environment enhances the risk for increased frequency and severity of symptoms. Objective. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms in a sample of children and the built environment in which they lived. Materials and methods. Our study is based on a cross-sectional analytical study involving 353 individuals, their parents, and their homes. The descriptive statistics reported include frequencies and percentages for multinominal variables and explore the associations between severe presentation and each symptom using logistic regression modeling conducted using Stata 14. Results. Most participants reported low-income levels and lived in houses owned and inhabited by a single family. We also found that houses located near agricultural fields and conditions inside the house, including moisture, stuffed toys, and having pets inside the room, were associated with the onset of asthma symptomatology. Conclusions. The built environment is relevant to children with asthma, particularly those with an allergenic component. Families living near agricultural fields must be aware of an increased risk of the onset of severe symptoms and that having pets in the room was correlated with higher levels of symptom onset, including negative impacts on sleep quality. The presence of indoor furniture, carpets, curtains, and any other objects that accumulate dust may exacerbate symptoms, as those elements favor an increase in the concentration of allergens inside the house.