Effect of economic status on the use of house dust mite avoidance measures in asthmatic children
Denson-Lino, J.M.; Willies-Jacobo, L.J.; Rosas, A.; O'Connor, R.D.; Wilson, N.W.
Annals of Allergy 71(2): 130-132
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-4738 PMID: 8346865 Document Number: 410879
To assess the socioeconomic status on compliance with house mite avoidance measures, the parents of 60 mite-allergic, asthmatic children (with positive skin tests to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and/or D. farinae) in southern California, USA, were interviewed about mite avoidance. 30 were of lower socioeconomic status and 30 were of higher socioeconomic status, as determined by the type of insurance. All had previously learned mite avoidance measures at the time of diagnosis. 20 of 30 lower socioeconomic status parents had removed stuffed toys from the child's bedroom, compared with only 12 of 3 higher socioeconomic status parents (P = 0.07). 12 of 30 parents on the lower socioeconomic status group had obtained plastic mattress covers compared with 22 of the 30 higher socioeconomic status parents (P = 0.018). 18 parents in the lower socioeconomic status group expressed reasons for not obtaining plastic covers. 9 cited lack of funds, 4 did not know where to buy them, and 4 did not think it would help. Of the 8 parents in the higher socioeconomic status group that did not obtain covers, 6 cited inconvenience and 2 thought it would not help. It was concluded that education alone will not ensure compliance with house dust mite controls. Economic factors influence utilization. Access to free or low cost mite-proof pillow and mattress covers may improve asthma care for poor children.