Canadian respiratory journal : journal of the Canadian Thoracic Society
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A population-based, ecological evaluation was conducted to determine the impact of a regional asthma education centre on reducing asthma-related morbidity and improving the quality of prescribing. ⋯ A conclusive association between the establishment of an asthma education centre and changes in health care use or the quality of prescribing could not be demonstrated.
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Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are increasing concerns for First Nations peoples in Canada. Although hospital utilization for asthma and COPD among First Nations peoples has been increasing, the prevalence of asthma or wheezing is comparable to national averages. ⋯ Many children in this study already have established airflow obstruction and may be at increased risk for asthma or COPD. Exposure to mold appeared to be protective. Further research is needed to evaluate the lung health concerns of this population.