| The purpose of this study was to examine the association and impact of student demographic and socio-economic measures as they relate to the student health condition of asthma and equitable educational attainment for elementary students. This study utilized student records, including demographic, socio-economic, academic, health, attendance records, and a health questionnaire of 694 sixth grade students to examine the relationship and impact asthma has on student educational outcomes for students from two divergent school academic performance levels.;Through series of chi-square tests, a repeated measures ANOVA and a series of two-way ANOVAs, the study investigated the relationships between student demographic and socio-economic variables with the asthma health designations were identified; along with their impact on the educational outcomes variables of student attendance, aerobic fitness testing, and academic achievement. Classroom teachers were surveyed regarding their level of knowledge and awareness of asthma, and their perception of the impact asthma has on their students.;This study found disparity in the prevalence and distribution of students with diagnosed asthma. More students reporting no diagnoses of asthma yet experiencing severe asthma-like symptoms were clustered within the lowest academically performing, schools. These students are children of color, from lower income families, and with a primary home language other than English. The results indicated the level of asthma health symptoms could be a factor that adversely influences a student's school attendance, aerobic fitness and academic achievement. The findings suggested impacts of undiagnosed and uncontrolled asthma symptoms only further exacerbate the disadvantages already experienced by these children.;These research findings establish the premise of asthma as a social justice issue in regards to the prevalence and impact this chronic illness has on disadvantaged students. Schools have educational policies to address student asthma. The study recommends to adequately address the disparate prevalence and impact of undiagnosed and uncontrolled asthma within disadvantage students, schools need to move beyond traditional educational polices. Changes are needed in how asthma is identified and addressed within students. Schools need to take affirmative steps to establish collaborative approaches with the students, families, and community resources to improve identification of undiagnosed asthma and treatment to controlled symptoms among all students, especially disadvantaged students. |
