Outcomes of a Remote Multi-Component Asthma Intervention for Children in Low-income Latine Communities.

Abstract

Introduction: Bridges to Health Equity (BHE), a collaborative of community-based organizations (CBOs), insurers, hospitals, and an external evaluator was developed to forge partnerships that improve health in low-income neighborhoods in New York City. BHE developed an asthma program implemented by community health workers (CHWs) at participating CBOs in 2020 and 2021. Initially designed as an in-home intervention, the program shifted to remote delivery at the beginning of the study due to COVID-19. Methods: Researchers conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of BHE to support quality improvement and contribute to the evidence base regarding asthma interventions. The evaluation included participant baseline and follow-up assessments. This paper uses data from these assessments to examine outcomes for children, focusing on changes in asthma control and home-based triggers. Results: Children with baseline and follow-up assessments-90% of whom were Latine-experienced significant improvements in asthma control and reductions in home-based asthma triggers, including home maintenance issues and pest infestations. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate positive outcomes of an asthma program delivered remotely by a CBO. They add to the evidence regarding CBO capacity to deliver health programs effectively and suggest that some in-person CHW interventions may be able to shift to remote delivery, which could facilitate expansion.