Parents\u27 Perception of their Children\u27s Asthma, 2002-2008: A Community-Based Study

Childhood asthma is a chronic health condition that is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations and missed school days for children. It also affects the lives of both asthmatic children and their families

Influences and Barriers on Physical Activity in Pediatric Oncology Patients

Objectives: To determine the influence of family, peers, school, and physicians on exercise in pediatric oncology patients and evaluate the barriers to physical activity levels in this population. Methods: A search of PubMed and Google Scholar resulted in 12 related articles. The articles were assessed for the influence of school systems, family, peers, self-efficacy, and physicians on exercise. Additionally barriers and interventions to physical activity were also assessed. Limitations and research methodologies of each article were also evaluated. Results: Many school systems were unsure of expectations in regards to physical activity for their returning students with cancer. Most schools acknowledged willingness to increase exercise for these students; however, there is a communication gap between the medical field and the school system on what expectations should be. Family is associated with increased physical activity levels and healthier diets in this population with children preferring mothers as exercise partners more than fathers. While physician interventions have been shown to positively impact physical activity, it has been reported that physicians are not engaging in exercise counseling with their patients. Conclusion: Several issues and barriers related to physical activity in pediatric oncology population were identified. Studies have demonstrated it is feasible to increase physical activity and self-efficacy in this population. Further research is needed to better understand and quantify these issues as well as further test the interventions that have been suggested in this review and have been successful in other pediatric populations

Associations Between Parental Health Literacy, Use of Asthma Management Plans, and Child\u27s Asthma Control

Background. There are some studies demonstrating the effectiveness of the provision of written asthma action plans in improving asthma outcomes. There exist little data on the ability of parents to use these plans to make asthma care decisions. Objective. To assess the associations between parental health literacy (HL), parental ability to use a written asthma management plan (WAMP), and child\u27s asthma control. Methods. Parents completed a survey with questions related to WAMPs and child\u27s asthma, a HL screening tool, and 5 asthma vignettes. For vignettes, parents identified asthma control zone and then made decisions about asthma management. WAMP scores were totaled (0-32) and converted to a percent correct score. Associations between parental HL, WAMP scores, child\u27s asthma control, and demographics were determined with independent t tests or 1-way analysis of variance, and chi-square tests. Variables significantly associated with WAMP scores or asthma control were included in multiple logistic regression or multiple linear regression analyses. Results. A total of 176 surveys were included; the mean ± SD WAMP score was 58.9% ± 22.2%, and 25% of respondents had limited HL. Of respondents\u27 children, 38% had not well/poorly controlled asthma. In multiple regression analysis controlling for education level, limited HL was significantly associated with WAMP score (b = 11.3, standard error 3.8, P =.004). WAMP score was not associated with asthma control. Limited HL was associated with poor asthma control in univariate analysis, but not in a logistic regression model controlling for other significant variables. Only unmarried marital status (adjusted odds ratio 4.4, 95% CI 1.8-10.8, P =.001) was associated with asthma control. Conclusion. HL is associated with parental ability to use WAMPs to respond to asthma scenarios. Parental HL may play a role in parents\u27 ability to appropriately use WAMPs

Associations Between Parental Health Literacy, Use of Asthma Management Plans, and Child\u27s Asthma Control

Background. There are some studies demonstrating the effectiveness of the provision of written asthma action plans in improving asthma outcomes. There exist little data on the ability of parents to use these plans to make asthma care decisions. Objective. To assess the associations between parental health literacy (HL), parental ability to use a written asthma management plan (WAMP), and child\u27s asthma control. Methods. Parents completed a survey with questions related to WAMPs and child\u27s asthma, a HL screening tool, and 5 asthma vignettes. For vignettes, parents identified asthma control zone and then made decisions about asthma management. WAMP scores were totaled (0-32) and converted to a percent correct score. Associations between parental HL, WAMP scores, child\u27s asthma control, and demographics were determined with independent t tests or 1-way analysis of variance, and chi-square tests. Variables significantly associated with WAMP scores or asthma control were included in multiple logistic regression or multiple linear regression analyses. Results. A total of 176 surveys were included; the mean ± SD WAMP score was 58.9% ± 22.2%, and 25% of respondents had limited HL. Of respondents\u27 children, 38% had not well/poorly controlled asthma. In multiple regression analysis controlling for education level, limited HL was significantly associated with WAMP score (b = 11.3, standard error 3.8, P =.004). WAMP score was not associated with asthma control. Limited HL was associated with poor asthma control in univariate analysis, but not in a logistic regression model controlling for other significant variables. Only unmarried marital status (adjusted odds ratio 4.4, 95% CI 1.8-10.8, P =.001) was associated with asthma control. Conclusion. HL is associated with parental ability to use WAMPs to respond to asthma scenarios. Parental HL may play a role in parents\u27 ability to appropriately use WAMPs

An Intervention to Improve Health Literacy Practices in Underserved Pediatric Settings

There are specific interventions recommended by national organizations to improve the health literacy environment of primary care practices. This study assessed the effectiveness of a health literacy intervention, based on the American Medical Association Health Literacy Educational modules, on health care provider knowledge and behaviors and on pediatric patient preventive care outcomes (immunizations and well child care)

An Intervention to Improve Health Literacy Practices in Underserved Pediatric Settings

There are specific interventions recommended by national organizations to improve the health literacy environment of primary care practices. This study assessed the effectiveness of a health literacy intervention, based on the American Medical Association Health Literacy Educational modules, on health care provider knowledge and behaviors and on pediatric patient preventive care outcomes (immunizations and well child care)

Children and Firearms in the Home: A Southwestern Ohio Ambulatory Research Network (SOAR-Net) Study

Background: To ascertain the prevalence of gun ownership, gun safety education, and parental attitudes on gun counseling in a Midwestern sample. Methods: Parents seeking care at participating practices in the Southwestern Ohio Ambulatory Research Network were recruited to complete a survey about gun ownership, gun safety education, and gun counseling attitudes. Attitudes and beliefs were compared between gun owners and non-gun owners. Results: Twenty-four percent of respondents had at least 1 gun in the home. Military families were more likely to own a gun than civilian families (28% vs 18%, P = .001). Fifty-two percent of sample children have received gun safety education. Eight percent indicated that a physician had asked about guns or discussed gun safety issues during an office visit. A majority of parents indicated that physicians should ask about guns in the home (69%) and advise parents on safe storage (75%), but they should not advise parents to remove guns from the home (12% of gun owners, 42% of non-gun owners). Conclusions: Despite the morbidity and mortality associated with guns, physicians in this study do not seem to be addressing this risk with families. A majority of gun owners do not agree that physicians should counsel the removal of guns from the home but agree that they should discuss safe gun storage information

Children and Firearms in the Home: A Southwestern Ohio Ambulatory Research Network (SOAR-Net) Study

Background: To ascertain the prevalence of gun ownership, gun safety education, and parental attitudes on gun counseling in a Midwestern sample. Methods: Parents seeking care at participating practices in the Southwestern Ohio Ambulatory Research Network were recruited to complete a survey about gun ownership, gun safety education, and gun counseling attitudes. Attitudes and beliefs were compared between gun owners and non-gun owners. Results: Twenty-four percent of respondents had at least 1 gun in the home. Military families were more likely to own a gun than civilian families (28% vs 18%, P = .001). Fifty-two percent of sample children have received gun safety education. Eight percent indicated that a physician had asked about guns or discussed gun safety issues during an office visit. A majority of parents indicated that physicians should ask about guns in the home (69%) and advise parents on safe storage (75%), but they should not advise parents to remove guns from the home (12% of gun owners, 42% of non-gun owners). Conclusions: Despite the morbidity and mortality associated with guns, physicians in this study do not seem to be addressing this risk with families. A majority of gun owners do not agree that physicians should counsel the removal of guns from the home but agree that they should discuss safe gun storage information