Asthma and school functioning

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by Dafna Kohen

Abstract
Keywords
Findings
Authors
What is already known on this subject?
What does this study add?

Abstract

Background

The impact of asthma on school performance, particularly compared with that of other chronic conditions, is relatively unexplored, and the results of analyses that have been conducted are inconclusive.  This article examines associations between asthma and school functioning.

Data and methods

The data are from the 1998/1999 National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth.  The study pertains to a sample of 8,914 children aged 7 to 15.  Descriptive and regression analyses were used to examine associations between asthma severity and scores on standardized math and reading tests, and maternal ratings of school performance.  School absence and the use of educational services were considered as potential mediators.  Comparisons were made with children who had other chronic conditions or no chronic conditions.

Results 

Compared with children who did not have a chronic condition, children with asthma scored lower on standardized math and reading tests and had less favourable mother-reported school performance.   Those with the most severe asthma had the poorest outcomes.  These associations persisted when adjusting for child and family factors.  The poorer scholastic outcomes were not mediated by school absence.  However, the use of educational services appeared to mediate low math scores for children with severe asthma.

Interpretation

The relationship between asthma and children's school functioning may be of interest to physicians and educators.  Educational support and remedial services may be beneficial.

Keywords

achievement, asthma severity, chronic illness, math performance, reading performance

Findings

The prevalence of asthma has been increasing among Canadian children and youth. Compared with other children, those with asthma are in poorer health, are limited in daily activities, and experience more visits to health care professionals and hospitalizations. They also miss more school than children who do not have the condition. In fact, asthma has been reported to be the leading cause of school absence.[Full text]

Authors

Dafna Kohen (613-951-3346; Dafna.Kohen@statcan.gc.ca) is with the Health Analysis Division at Statistics Canada.

What is already known on this subject?

  • The prevalence of asthma among Canadian children and youth has been increasing.
  • Children with asthma miss more school than do children without the condition.
  • Frequent school absences can interfere with learning, but the impact of asthma on school performance is relatively unexplored, and the results of the analyses that have been conducted are inconclusive.

What does this study add?

  • Children with asthma scored lower on standardized math and reading tests and had less favourable mother-reported school performance than did children who did not have chronic conditions.
  • Children with the most severe asthma had the poorest outcomes.
  • These associations persisted even when adjusting for child and family factors.
  • The poorer scholastic outcomes were not mediated by school absences, but the use of educational services appeared to mediate low math scores for children with severe asthma.

For this article...