Background: In 2010, the Louisiana Asthma Management and Prevention Program (LAMP) implemented the Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative in high-risk Louisiana populations. The social ecological model (SEM) was used as a framework for an asthma program implemented in 70 state K-12 public schools over 2 years.
Methods: Activities included a needs assessment, identification of students with asthma, individualized asthma action plans (AAP), staff trainings, environmental quality improvement, and school system policy changes to address the asthma burden.
Results: There were 522 new or existing asthma cases recognized. Asthma knowledge/awareness was measurably improved among school personnel. School indoor air quality was improved across all locations. School-level policies were adopted that improved AAP collection, compliance to bus-idling restrictions, and asthma medication self-carry.
Conclusions: The SEM framework can be used for school-based programs to address successfully and improve asthma-related issues from the individual through policy levels.
Keywords: asthma; schools; social ecological model.
© 2016, American School Health Association.