indicates the full model consisting of variables that
retained significance. Regression coefficients were exponentiated
to facilitate interpretation but should not be confused
with odds ratios. Most of the retained variables were related
to health status and asthma management. During the study
year, children 10 years and older had 42% fewer exacerbations
than did children younger than 4 years. Children with a
previous ED visit had 3 times more exacerbations in the study
year, whereas children using a nebulizer or having a pet had
62% and 46% more exacerbations, respectively. Children
who were recruited from a physician’s office or an asthma
clinic (non-ED site) had significantly fewer exacerbations.
Although children who reported receiving asthma education
had 37% more exacerbations, those with an asthma action
plan had 28% fewer exacerbations. During the interview, a
wide range of materials, from brochures to educational sessions,
were construed as “asthma education,” whereas an
action plan referred specifically to a disease management
plan to prevent exacerbation. Families with medium or high
income adequacy demonstrated 28% fewer exacerbations
compared with those with low income adequacy.