The primary purpose of this pilot study was to examine the influence of maternal health status on health services use in children with the diagnosis of asthma. A secondary purpose was to assess both preventive and illness-related child health services use patterns. Fifty-two asthmatic children and 43 mothers met the inclusion criteria. The majority of mothers (72%, n = 31/43) rated their own overall health as good to excellent. Eighty-six percent (n = 38/44) of the children had a medical home, 20% had peak flow meters, 26% had been to see a specialist, and 4% were currently under the care of a specialist. This pilot study raises important questions about the influence of maternal health on child health services use patterns for asthmatic children from low-income families. Understanding the influence of maternal health on health-seeking patterns for children with asthma is important for nursing intervention.
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