Asthma Prevalence, Management, and Education in New York State Elementary Schools: A Survey of School Nurses

Abstract

A survey of school nurses was conducted in New York State elementary schools to assess asthma and asthma management in students. The survey contained questions about asthma morbidity, management and education, obstacles to management, and school indoor air quality. The reported prevalence of asthma among students was 8.5%. Of the students with asthma, 64% visited the health office, 26% were absent from school, 20% had physical limitations, and 7% needed urgent care. Only 28% had a written management plan at school, less than 25% of schools used asthma self-management programs, and obstacles to management included lack of time and funding. More than 25% rated school indoor air quality as “fair” or “poor.” Schools need to adopt key components of asthma management, and school nurses should be encouraged to work with others in the school setting to address indoor air quality problems that might be affecting health.