Impact of Hurricane Matthew on a Cohort of Adolescents With Asthma in North Carolina.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to look at a cohort of adolescents who were already enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to see (1) how demographics were associated with hurricane impact, and (2) how hurricane impact was associated with reported asthma quality of life. METHODS: One hundred fifty-one adolescents ages 11-17 and their parents enrolled in a randomized controlled trial at 2 sites in southeastern North Carolina completed questions about asthma quality of life, demographics, and the impact of Hurricane Matthew. RESULTS: The most common effects of Hurricane Matthew were that the family's home was damaged or flooded (32.5%), the school was damaged or flooded (31.8%), and the home had mold or mildew as a result of flooding or damage (25.8%). Problems with access to care were more common for families whose adolescent was non-White (P = 0.04), on Medicaid (P = 0.05), or if the family spoke Spanish at home (P < 0.001). Being affected by the hurricane was negatively associated with asthma quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Hurricane Matthew had significant impact on the health of adolescents with asthma in the affected region, especially in the most vulnerable populations. Providers should ensure that families of adolescents with asthma have a hurricane plan to mitigate impact on their children's health.