An Examination of the Risk Factors Associated With Asthma Prevalence Among a Sample of Displaced Public Housing Residents in Atlanta, Ga

Date viii ABSTRACT Background: Asthma is a chronic illness that affects people of all age groups. Approximately 12% and 9% of children and adults, respectively, have asthma in Georgia. Asthma affects groups of people differently, with African Americans being twice as likely to be hospitalized for asthma. Hospitalizations related to asthma cost Georgians over $100 million dollars. The symptoms of coughing and wheezing can have a detrimental effect on the productivity of the asthmatic as well as lead to exorbitant medical costs for the asthmatic. This study examines the associations between known risk factors and asthma prevalence in a displaced housing population in Atlanta, GA.