Cognitive-behavioral predictors of asthma morbidity in inner-city children

J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2000 Oct;21(5):340-6. doi: 10.1097/00004703-200010000-00004.

Abstract

Asthma is a growing health problem among children in the United States, particularly in urban, inner-city areas. This article examines the relationship between cognitive-behavioral aspects of asthma management (caretaker asthma knowledge, expectations, and problem-solving) and asthma morbidity in a sample of 1,376 inner-city children with physician-diagnosed asthma. In the analyses, baseline symptom severity served as a covariate, and the average of the 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-up data served as the outcome measure. Children of caregivers with ineffective problem-solving strategies had significantly more days of wheezing over a 14-day period. Ineffective problem-solving capabilities were also associated with poorer functional status; however, positive caregiver expectations were associated with better functional status. Of the cognitive-behavioral factors studied in a high-risk urban population, caregiver problem-solving skills and expectations emerged as meriting further investigation and possible intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Asthma / epidemiology*
  • Asthma / psychology
  • Asthma / therapy*
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Problem Solving*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Urban Population*