Cecilia Fernandez and Dr. Gene Cole, Department of Health Sciences
Research Objective
To conduct an initial needs assessment relative to the promotion of healthy home environments and asthma risk reduction, with a focus on multi-family dwellings and ethnic minority populations (primarily Hispanic).
Background
Previous studies have shown that ethnic populations, including Hispanics, are prone to asthma due to a combination of genetics and environmental factors. This proposed research was aimed at identifying the need for healthy home environment education to reduce potential asthma triggers and resultant morbidity, primarily in leased multi-family dwellings. The target population was Hispanic tenants in multi-family structures living in Utah County. We assessed the knowledge base of our target population relative to the understanding and recognition of common asthma triggers in the home.
Methodology
The research methods used were indoor environmental survey and assessment of each household and focus groups. We conducted 30 in-home environmental assessments. We recruited participants through referrals from Health Fair sign-ups, Centro Hispano Health Fair Sign-up sheet at Volunteer Care Clinic and Door-to-door contacting. We had four teams of two Spanish speaking BYU students that volunteered to help out with the home assessments. The volunteers were trained on survey data collection & observational assessment of the entire indoor home environment. We gave each tenant a 16 question survey. Participants provided survey information on: Length of residence, history of water damage, sewage problems, mold, renovations, odors, smokers in the home, pets, asthmatics in home, presence of vacuum cleaner and pets. After completing the survey, the team conducted assessments for environmental problems/triggers throughout the home. Volunteers examined participant homes for moldy/mildew odors, visible water stains, insect/rodent contamination, dust accumulation, carpet condition, the presence of pesticides, bathroom exhaust fans, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, supplemental heater, and furnace filters. Results of the in home environmental assessments were discussed with each tenant who was then given healthy home environment materials and $15 for participation.
Results
The main problems listed on the surveys were:
- Leaky/broken plumbing – 30%
- Mold problem –36.7%
- Asthmatics in the home – 30%
In-home assessment results:
- Visible water stains – 23.3%
- Insect contamination – 30%
- Rodent contamination – 20%
- Visible dust accumulation – 36.7%
- Percent of primary carpet area that was clean – 56.7%
Tenants’ focus groups:
We conducted two focus groups of Hispanic mothers who participated in the indoor home environmental assessments. Discussion focused on: Knowledge and feelings about maintenance of home environments and conditions and other asthma triggers that might result in adverse health effects for persons with asthma. Each participant was given $15 for participation.
Problems associated in keeping a clean home were: dust, humidity, children, Insects, and lack of knowledge. Participants in the survey were asked what changes they could make to improve home conditions to help those with asthma in their homes. Answers provided by participants included: better ventilation, change vacuum cleaner filter, clean constantly, damp dusting/mopping, the use of a humidifier, perform cleaning when asthma suffers are not at home. The conclusion was drawn that these steps would help reduce asthmatics ‘ exposures from dust as well as cleaning chemicals. Participants were also asked how the landlord could help. Participants suggested that landlords could: clean carpets in home before new tenant moves in or replace carpet if it is old, change/clean air filters and ducts, ban indoor pets, as well as rodent and insect prevention. Finally, participants were asked where they could find additional health information. Answers provided included: Centro Hispano, Women and Infants Center, Internet, and Health Department.
Conclusion and Recommendations
A focused approach to the survey, assessment, and discussion of multi-family dwellings occupied by Hispanic families in Utah County Utah has demonstrated the need for improved awareness and education among tenants in the area of healthy home environments and the control of asthma triggers.
It is recommended that the Utah County Asthma Coalition embrace this need with an organized approach to reducing home environment asthma risks through development and implementation of community education and awareness interventions among this growing community demographic.