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Environmental Health-Related Policies and Practices of Oklahoma Licensed Early Care and Education Programs: Implications for Childhood Asthma

Author

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  • Cassandra D. Querdibitty

    (Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 801 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA)

  • Bethany Williams

    (Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99202, USA
    Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N. Stonewall Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73114, USA)

  • Marianna S. Wetherill

    (Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 801 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA)

  • Susan B. Sisson

    (Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N. Stonewall Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73114, USA)

  • Janis Campbell

    (Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 801 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA)

  • Mary Gowin

    (Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma, 900 N.E. 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA)

  • Lancer Stephens

    (Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 801 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA)

  • Alicia L. Salvatore

    (Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 801 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
    Institute for Research on Equity and Community Health (iREACH), ChristianaCare, Avenue North, 4000 Nexus Drive, CEI-300, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA)

Abstract

Little is known about the environmental health-related policies and practices of early care and education (ECE) programs that contribute to childhood asthma, particularly in Oklahoma where child asthma rates (9.8%) and rates of uncontrolled asthma among children with asthma (60.0%) surpass national rates (8.1% and 50.3%, respectively). We conducted a cross-sectional survey with directors of Oklahoma-licensed ECE programs to assess policies and practices related to asthma control and to evaluate potential differences between Centers and Family Childcare Homes (FCCHs). Surveyed ECEs ( n = 476) included Centers (56.7%), FCCHs (40.6%), and other program types (2.7%). Almost half (47.2%) of directors reported never receiving any asthma training. More Center directors were asthma-trained than FCCH directors (61.0% versus 42.0%, p < 0.0001). Most ECEs used asthma triggers, including bleach (88.5%) and air fresheners (73.6%). Centers were more likely to use bleach daily than were FCCHs (75.6% versus 66.8%, p = 0.04). FCCHs used air fresheners more than did Centers (79.0% versus 61.0%, p < 0.0001). The majority of ECEs (74.8%) used pesticides indoors. Centers applied indoor pesticides more frequently (i.e., monthly or more often) than did FCCHs (86.0% versus 58.0%, p < 0.0001). Policy, educational, and technical assistance interventions are needed to reduce asthma triggers and improve asthma control in Oklahoma ECEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Cassandra D. Querdibitty & Bethany Williams & Marianna S. Wetherill & Susan B. Sisson & Janis Campbell & Mary Gowin & Lancer Stephens & Alicia L. Salvatore, 2021. "Environmental Health-Related Policies and Practices of Oklahoma Licensed Early Care and Education Programs: Implications for Childhood Asthma," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8491-:d:612560
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bethany D. Williams & Susan B. Sisson & Dipti A. Dev & Bryce Lowery & Diane Horm & Janis Campbell & Denise Finneran & Jennifer Graef-Downard & Linda Whaley, 2021. "Associations between Community Built Environments with Early Care and Education Classroom Physical Activity Practices and Barriers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-16, June.
    2. Michelle Stephens & Kimberly Hazard & Debra Moser & Dana Cox & Roberta Rose & Abbey Alkon, 2017. "An Integrated Pest Management Intervention Improves Knowledge, Pest Control, and Practices in Family Child Care Homes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-14, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Cassandra D. Querdibitty & Marianna S. Wetherill & Susan B. Sisson & Bethany Williams & Kan Aithinne & Haeyn Seo & Nancy R. Inhofe & Janis Campbell & Megan Slawinski & Alicia L. Salvatore, 2022. "Cleaning Products Commonly Used in Oklahoma Family Child Care Homes: Implications for Respiratory Risk and Children’s Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-14, April.

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