Prevention and Control of Chronic Respiratory Diseases, Essay Example

Asthma is a chronic disease that results from long inflammation and contributes to breathing difficulty. Currently, 25 million people living in the United States are afflicted with the disease and treatment costs an average of $3,300 per year for each patient. Although treatments appear to be effective for some individuals, others have uncontrolled asthma symptoms, which can result in hospitalization and death. Interestingly, some asthma patients appear to be at a greater risk of getting the disease than others. For example, individuals who live in large cities and polluted areas are more likely to develop this disease. (WHO, 2007).

Although much research has been conducted in order to better understand asthma, there is still an existing need to define the individuals that are high risk and take steps to prevent the clinical form of the disease. While it is known that populated areas are more polluted and the incidence of asthma is therefore increased, it is necessary to define the specific localities that this trend indicates. Therefore, it would be beneficial to evaluate the relationship between the distance that individuals live from the source of pollutants and the development and severity of asthma.

This specific study aims to determine the connection between the pediatric Medicaid population in Detroit, Michigan and the development of asthma symptoms based on their proximity to major roads, which acts as a source of air pollution. Conditional logistic regressions were calculated by representing distance as categorical and continuous variables and non-linear relationships were examined using polynomial splines. These models were extended by considering multiple asthma states. The results of this study will provide information concerning ways to reduce the incidence of asthma, therefore preventing hospitalizations, deaths, and reducing health care expenses.

References

World Health Organization. (2007). Global surveillance, prevention and control of chronic  respiratory diseases: a comprehensive approach. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/gard/publications/GARD%20Book%202007.pdf