About this srcd poster session

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Panel information
Panel 28. Solicited Content: Climate Change

Abstract

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Background: As the most common pediatric chronic condition, asthma affects 6 million children in the United States, disproportionately impacting racial minorities and children living in poverty (Tackett et al., 2021). Though environmental triggers are well understood (Louisias et al., 2019), pediatric-oriented assessments and interventions and their effectiveness in indoor contexts remain understudied (Leas et al., 2018). We conducted a scoping review to investigate the literature on environmental assessment and intervention strategies used to mitigate pediatric asthma triggers in home and community settings.



Methods: We searched PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Web of Science for articles meeting inclusion criteria (pediatric, asthma, indoor air quality/pollution, measures or interventions, environmental asthma triggers). Articles were screened by two reviewers at title/abstract and full text stages using Covidence software. Data was extracted from the included studies by an initial reviewer, with confirmation by a second reviewer.



Results: A total of 21,001 articles were retrieved, and a preliminary review identified 15 articles that met criteria for inclusion and extraction (complete PRISMA forthcoming). Emerging trends suggest evidence of significant relationships between indoor allergens/pollutants and pediatric asthma morbidity, as measured by air/dust sampling, urine sampling, caregiver reports of smoking or household habits, skin prick/allergen testing, and inspection checklists. Effective strategies for improving trigger exposure and health outcomes included use of HEPA filters/cleaners, integrated pest management, a multicomponent dust-mite reduction plan, and asthma education. Outcomes highlighted increased asthma symptom-free days, reduced asthma-related healthcare utilization, and improved pulmonary function and quality of life.



Conclusions: While the relationship between environmental triggers and pediatric asthma is well established, the methods for measurement and intervention are deserving of investigation to inform strategies for implementation. Our results suggest that a diverse set of measurement methods have been utilized across studies, highlighting the challenge in precisely capturing the myriads of environmental triggers in home and community settings. Effective mitigation strategies target specific triggers, while a comprehensive environmental intervention may involve components to improve air quality, reduce pest/pet allergen exposure, limit secondhand smoke and cooking fuel emissions, and incorporate asthma education.

Author information

Author	Role
Madelyn G. Yoo, Washington University School of Medicine	Presenting author
Kate Litton, Tulane University	Non-presenting author
Jasmine Miller, Washington University School of Medicine	Non-presenting author
Aakarsh Rai, Washington University School of Medicine	Non-presenting author
Elva Lin, Washington University School of Medicine	Non-presenting author
Avery Pyle, Washington University School of Medicine	Non-presenting author
Lindsay Spell, Washington University School of Medicine	Non-presenting author
Kelly M. Harris, Washington University School of Medicine	Non-presenting author

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