Socioeconomic Factors and Home Allergen Exposure in Children With Asthma

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine the association between sociodemographic factors and the elimination of allergen sources from homes of asthmatic children. METHOD: In a cross-sectional analysis of data from 845 asthmatic children, multiple linear regression investigated the association between socioeconomic factors and failure to reduce allergen sources (i.e., stuffed toys, pets, carpeting, curtains, and cushions); failure to use linen covers; and not laundering linens weekly in hot water. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between socioeconomic status and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. RESULTS: Mother's employment status was significantly associated with the quality of the home environment (P = .0002). Homemakers demonstrated fewer poor practices (3.1) compared with full-time or part-time employed mothers (3.6). Children whose mothers reported no post-secondary education were more likely to have environmental tobacco smoke exposure compared with those who had a post-secondary CE education or higher (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.7, 3.5). DISCUSSION: Children whose mothers worked at home and were better educated were at reduced risk for exposure to sources of indoor allergens.