Childhood Asthma Prevention Study (CAPS)

There are no definitive risk factors for the development of childhood asthma. Therefore, many asthma-related primary prevention programs focus on children whose parents have asthma. As children with asthmatic parents represent only a small proportion of the total population of children with asthma, the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study (CAPS) aimed to intervene with a broader range of children at risk of developing asthma, namely young children who had experienced wheezing episodes. In addition to the standard allergen-reduction efforts undertaken in other programs, the CAPS model also targeted the psychosocial factors that might affect successful illness management, such as parental knowledge of health promotion activities and caregiver mental health issues.

CAPS provided home-based services that addressed allergen and environmental tobacco smoke reduction, illness management, parent-child relationships, and caregiver mental health. The home visitors guided and supported caregivers’ efforts to achieve health promotion goals through education, problem solving, and referrals for additional services.

Caregivers received videos addressing asthma prevention and management, and handouts on topics relevant to their needs (such as child care or interactions with medical care providers).

CAPS served young children living in low-income households, who were between 9 and 24 months and had at least three wheezing episodes that had been brought to the attention of a physician.

Mary D. Klinnert, Ph.D.
National Jewish Health
1400 Jackson St., G320
Denver, CO 80206