Asthma disproportionately affects minorities. This study evaluated the effects of parent mentors (PMs) on asthma outcomes in minority children.
This randomized, controlled trial allocated minority asthmatic children to the PM intervention or traditional asthma care. Intervention families were assigned PMs (experienced parents of asthmatic children who received specialized training). PMs met monthly with children and families at community sites, phoned parents monthly, and made home visits.
The average monthly cost per patient for the PM program was $60.42, and net savings of $46.16 for high participants.
For asthmatic minority children, PMs can reduce wheezing, asthma exacerbations, ED visits, and missed parental work days while improving parental self-efficacy. These outcomes are achieved at a reasonable cost and with net cost savings for high participants. PMs may be a promising, cost-effective means for reducing childhood asthma disparities.
References:
Improving Asthma Outcomes in Minority Children: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Parent Mentors. PEDIATRICS Vol. 124 No. 6 December 2009, pp. 1522-1532 (doi:10.1542/peds.2009-0230)
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