Asthma Disparities in US Urban Children Exacerbate Respiratory Health Issues

Strategic Insights -

A new research report highlights the disproportionate impact of asthma on U.S. urban children, particularly those of Black and Latino backgrounds, and identifies the need for targeted interventions to address asthma disparities in Rhode Island. Led by researchers from Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, the study utilized a multi-level, theoretically supported needs assessment to inform the development of the Rhode Island Asthma Integrated Response (RI-AIR) Program. The program aims to improve communication between families, schools, and healthcare providers to promote integrated care and reduce asthma disparities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Asthma disproportionately affects U.S. urban children, particularly those of Black and Latino backgrounds, and is highly prevalent in Rhode Island (RI).
  • The study highlighted the need for tailored interventions based on asthma control and improved communication between families, schools, and healthcare providers.
  • The RI-AIR Program, developed through a community-engaged approach, provides school- and/or home-based interventions tailored to risk levels and facilitates communication across sectors of care.
  • Existing strengths include guidelines-based school and home interventions, longstanding community collaborations, and technological resources.
  • The study was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rhode Island Department of Health, and Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute.

Statistics:

  • Asthma affects approximately 5.4 million children under the age of 18 in the United States (American Lung Association, 2020).
  • In Rhode Island, asthma is the most common chronic condition among children, affecting approximately 10% of the state's pediatric population (Rhode Island Department of Health, 2020).
  • The RI-AIR Program aims to reach 500 children in its first year, with a target of 2,000 children over the next three years.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Data from Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School Advance Knowledge in Asthma [Community-Engaged, Multi-Method Needs Assessment to Improve Asthma Care Implementation: The Rhode Island Asthma Integrated Response (RI-AIR) Program]. Respiratory Therapeutics Week. November 3, 2025; p 380.
  • Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School. (2025). Community-Engaged, Multi-Method Needs Assessment to Improve Asthma Care Implementation: The Rhode Island Asthma Integrated Response (RI-AIR) Program. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology.
  • American Lung Association. (2020). 2020 State of the Air Report.
  • Rhode Island Department of Health. (2020). Chronic Disease Data.