New Mexico Public School Practices Regarding Use and Administration of Asthma Medications

Abstract

A survey was mailed to a randomly selected sample of New Mexico public school personnel to assess the existence of written school policies related to management of acute exacerbations, including the collection, storage, and administration of asthma medications. The survey also assessed the training and understanding of school staff members with respect to the management of an acute asthma exacerbation. Data analyses included comparisons between grade level (elementary, middle, and high schools) and urban versus rural schools categories. Survey response rate was 77.8%. Results indicated that 76.3% of public schools had written policies regarding the use of asthma medications. Over 99% of New Mexico public school children with asthma were allowed to take asthma medications to school. Forty-three percent of respondents had staff trained in the management of asthma exacerbations. Of the New Mexico public schools responding, 84% indicated interest in receiving further education on asthma management and inhaler technique. The results of this survey show that the current policies used in the New Mexico public school system regarding the use of asthma medications does not adequately address the needs of children with asthma attending these institutions.