An article published in the American Journal of Public Health finds that community coalitions can successfully achieve asthma policy and system changes and improve health outcomes. Increased core and ongoing community stakeholder participation rather than a higher overall number of participants was associated with more change. http://ajph.aphapublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/100/5/904
The study assessed policy and system changes and health outcomes produced by the Allies Against Asthma program, a 5-year collaborative effort by 7 community coalitions to address childhood asthma. The study also explored associations between community engagement and outcomes.
A sample of 1477 parents of children with asthma in coalition target areas and comparison areas were interviewed at baseline and 1 year to assess quality-of-life and symptom changes. An extensive tracking and documentation procedure and a survey of 284 participating individuals and organizations were used to ascertain policy and system changes and community engagement levels.
Results included a total of 89 policy and system changes that were achieved, ranging from changes in interinstitutional and intrainstitutional practices to statewide legislation. Allies children experienced fewer daytime (P = .008) and nighttime (P = .004) asthma symptoms than comparison children. In addition, Allies parents felt less helpless, frightened, and angry (P = .01) about their child's asthma. Type of community engagement was associated with number of policy and system changes.
Noreen M. Clark and the Center for Managing Chronic Disease administered the program as the National Program Office.
