| Abstract | Background
Asthma burden in the US is not evenly distributed. Although asthma prevalence varies widely across urban neighborhoods, little attention has been paid to the community as a key contributor.
Objective
To determine the effect of positive socio-environmental community factors on childhood asthma prevalence in Chicago.
Methods
From 2003–2005, an asthma screening survey was conducted among children attending Chicago Public/Catholic K-8 schools. One hundred five schools participated, yielding a stratified representation of 4 race-income groups. Positive community factors, such as social capital, economic potential and community amenities, were assessed using the Metro Chicago Information Center’s Community Vitality Index.
Results
Of the surveys returned, 45,177 (92%) were geocoded into 287 neighborhoods. Neighborhoods were divided into quartile groups by asthma prevalence (mean: 8%, 12%, 17%, 25%). Community vitality (54% vs. 44%, p<0.0001) and economic potential (64% vs. 38%, p<0.0001) were significantly higher in neighborhoods with low asthma prevalence. Neighborhood interaction (36% vs. 73%, p<0.0001) and stability (40% vs. 53%, p<0.0001) were significantly higher in neighborhoods with high asthma prevalence., Overall, positive factors explained 21% of asthma variation. Childhood asthma increased as the Black population increased in a community (p<0.0001). Accordingly, race/ethnicity was controlled. In Black neighborhoods, these factors remained significantly higher in neighborhoods with low asthma prevalence. When considered alongside socio-demographic/individual characteristics, overall community vitality as well as social capital continued to contribute significantly to asthma variation.
Conclusion
Asthma prevalence in Chicago is strongly associated with socio-environmental factors thought to enrich a community. A deeper understanding of this impact may lend insight into interventions to reduce childhood asthma.
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