Increasing asthma knowledge and changing home environments for Latino families with asthmatic children

We rusted an asthma education program in 204 underserved Latino families wi th an asthmatic child. The education program consisted of one or two sessio ns delivered in each family's home in the targeted participant's preferred language by a bilingual, bicultural educator. We encouraged, but did not re quire, attendance by the child. The curriculum was culturally-tailored, and all participants received education on understanding asthma, preventing as thma attacks, and managing asthma. Outcomes included change in asthma knowl edge and change in home environment asthma management procedures. Asthma kn owledge increased significantly (39 to 50% correct from pre- to post-test. P < 0.001) and participants made significant changes to the child's bedroom environment (mean number of triggers decreased from 2.4 to 1.8, P < 0.001; mean number of controllers increased from 0.7 to 0.9, P < 0.001). The resu lts support the value of asthma education and its importance in the nationa l agenda to reduce health disparities among minorities. (C) 2001 Elsevier S cience Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.