Traffic Pollution and Family Stress Affect Asthma in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Edith Chen, Hannah M. C. Schreier, Robert C. Strunk, Michael Brauer
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
This study aimed to test interactions between chronic exposure to traffic-related air pollution and chronic family stress in predicting biologic and clinical outcomes in children with asthma.
Conclusion
The study found that interactions between traffic-related air pollution and family stress significantly predicted both biological and clinical outcomes in children with asthma.
Supporting Evidence
- Higher chronic stress was associated with increased inflammatory markers as pollution levels decreased.
- Children in high pollution areas had more asthma symptoms than those in low pollution areas.
- Chronic stress exacerbated asthma symptoms over time in lower pollution areas.
Takeaway
Kids with asthma can get worse when there's a lot of traffic pollution, especially if they're also dealing with family stress.
Methodology
Children with asthma were interviewed about life stress, and inflammatory markers were measured, with pollution exposure assessed using a land use regression model for nitrogen dioxide concentrations.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of pollution exposure if families moved during the study period.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and varying time frames for measures, which may affect the findings.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 9–18 years, 68% male, 63% white.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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