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Biomedical subjects

Lani S Wheeler

Publications and source records attributed to Lani S Wheeler.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Relationship between asthma, overweight, and physical activity among U.S. high school students.

Asthma is a leading chronic illness among children and adolescents in the United States. This study examined the relationship between asthma and both overweight and physical activity levels. Results are based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2003 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a cross-sectional survey of health risk behaviors among a representative sample of high school students in the United States. The overall survey response rate was 67% and the results are based on weighted data. SUDAAN was used for all data analysis (prevalence estimates and logistic regression) because it accounts for the complex sampling design of the survey. Significantly more students with current asthma than without were overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 1.6) and described themselves as overweight (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.4). Significantly more students with current asthma than without used a computer for non-schoolwork 3 or more hours/day (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1, 1.5). No significant differences were found for participation in sufficient vigorous or moderate physical activity or strengthening exercises among students with and without current asthma. Unlike some other risk factors for developing or exacerbating asthma, overweight and physical activity are generally modifiable. School and community policies and programs can play an important role in asthma management, including promoting the maintenance of an appropriate weight and encouraging continued physical activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

A preliminary investigation of asthma mortality in schools.

Although asthma deaths in children are rare, most asthma deaths should be preventable. No information has been identified in the professional literature addressing the occurrence of asthma deaths in schools. This investigation identified asthma deaths that occurred in US schools between 1990 and 2003 and the circumstances surrounding those deaths. Data were obtained through newspaper articles in the LexisNexis database and death certificates. Between 1990 and 2003, 38 asthma school deaths were reported. Eighteen (47%) identified deaths occurred among black children and 12 (31%) among white. Twenty-seven (72%) of the deaths occurred among teens. Of the fatal asthma attacks, 16 (42%) occurred while the children were participating in a physically active event. Twelve (31%) children died while waiting for medical assistance. Due to the nature of these data, inferences may be subject to source bias. For the identified asthma deaths, key findings include the following: (1) most deaths occurred in teens and high school students; (2) frequently, the precipitating event was related in time to exercise; and (3) a delayed response or hesitancy of school staff to provide medical assistance may have contributed to some of the deaths. Although few school-related asthma deaths are reported each year, the true number is unknown. Key factors in managing the disease and preventing asthma deaths and exacerbations in schools include identification of students with diagnosed asthma, communication with parents and health care providers, removal of triggers in the immediate school environment, and maximizing access to needed medications.

Adolescent↗