Adolescent Asthma: Are Schools A Factor?

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 06 May 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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A study of more than 16,000 teens participating in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health shows significant differences in the prevalence of asthma from school to school, even after controlling for sociodemographics and other asthma risk factors. The study, led by Tracy Richmond, MD, in Children's Division of Adolescent Medicine, raises questions about factors in schools that may predispose teens to asthma, such as differences in air quality, or school violence that may increase stress levels.

Children's Hospital Boston is home to the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries have benefited both children and adults since 1869. More than 500 scientists, including eight members of the National Academy of Sciences, 11 members of the Institute of Medicine and 12 members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute comprise Children's research community. Founded as a 20-bed hospital for children, Children's Hospital Boston today is a 397-bed comprehensive center for pediatric and adolescent health care grounded in the values of excellence in patient care and sensitivity to the complex needs and diversity of children and families. Children's also is the primary pediatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. For more information about the hospital and its research visit: http://www.childrenshospital.org/newsroom.

Children's Hospital Boston