Statewide assessment of school-age children with asthma in Delaware

In Delaware, asthma affects almost 14,000 children. The American Lung Association of Delaware and the University of Delaware surveyed school nurses to identify the needs of children,with asthma a,ld the services and accommodations available for these children. Researchers developed a survey instrument that was mailed to all Delaware schools (N=324). The response rate was 38.6% (n=125). According to respondents, a variety of protocols were in place regarding the administration of asthma medications. Respondents also reported that several measures had been taken to modify the school environment to improve air quality and reduce asthma triggers. Most respondents (77%) indicated they did not have asthma education programs in their schools. Findings from this study sparked development of a multidisciplinary Delaware Asthma Committee, an Asthma Education Center, and a statewide system for communicating with the parents of children with asthma.