Abstract
Problem Significance
Asthma is a long-term condition that causes breathing symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Annually in California, asthma causes an estimated 11.8 million days of missed work, 1.2 million days of missed school, and $18 billion in costs. In California, active asthma is most prevalent in adults aged 18+, and low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations bear a disproportionate burden of asthma. All counties in the San Joaquin Valley of California have higher asthma prevalence than in California.
Analysis and Objectives
Analysis using the Social-Ecological Model identified the following environmental determinants of asthma: smoking, lack of knowledge, environmental exposures, and policies. Air pollution and heat were identified as significant risk factors that intensify with climate change, and this analysis explores options to address these factors.
Intervention (Solution) Proposal
The proposed intervention includes a workshop series with adults aged 18 and over. The first workshop aims to increase awareness of climate change, asthma, the health benefits of increasing green space, green space project funding, and local Climate Action Plans. The second workshop aims to create a Green Space Task Force and to build empowerment, participation, and capacity to advocate for policy change and to apply for grants.
Recommendations and Conclusions
Asthma is an important Public Health issue to prioritize because it disproportionately affects low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations and is expected to increase in prevalence and severity with climate change. Future research should investigate environmental solutions that can mitigate and adapt to climate change while improving asthma.