Introduction
Asthma is a prevalent condition among school-aged children in the United States, affecting approximately 10% of students. Its impact on school attendance is significant, with nearly half of these children missing school due to asthma-related issues. This absenteeism is linked to poorer academic performance and increased dropout rates. The research article "Asthma and Attendance in Urban Schools" by Johnson et al. (2019) provides valuable insights into the relationship between asthma and school attendance, emphasizing the importance of using multiple data sources to improve asthma management and reduce absenteeism.
Understanding the Research
The study conducted by Johnson and colleagues involved 1,194 students from two large urban schools. The researchers assessed asthma prevalence using three indicators: parent reports, student reports of asthma-related healthcare utilization, and school health center records. They found that student-reported and school health center records were more reliable indicators of absenteeism due to asthma than parent reports alone. Specifically, student-reported asthma and school health center records were associated with 1.9 and 1.5 additional absences per year, respectively.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners working in school settings, these findings underscore the importance of supplementing parent-reported data with student-reported and school health center data. By doing so, schools can more accurately identify students with asthma and provide targeted interventions to manage their condition. Here are some actionable steps practitioners can take:
- Implement school-wide asthma screening using student-reported data to identify students with unmet care needs.
- Collaborate with school health centers to maintain accurate health records and ensure students receive appropriate asthma management.
- Advocate for policies that support the integration of multiple data sources to improve asthma care and reduce absenteeism.
Encouraging Further Research
The study highlights the need for further research to explore the impact of asthma management on school attendance and academic outcomes. Practitioners can contribute to this research by collecting and analyzing data from their own school settings. By doing so, they can identify trends, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and advocate for resources to support asthma management in schools.
Conclusion
Asthma is a significant factor in student absenteeism, particularly in urban schools. By leveraging multiple data sources, practitioners can improve asthma identification and management, leading to better health outcomes and reduced absenteeism. This approach not only benefits individual students but also enhances overall school performance. For those interested in delving deeper into this research, the original study can be accessed through the following link: Asthma and Attendance in Urban Schools.
