Differences in asthma risk factors due to influences of acculturation in a birth cohort of New York City-born Puerto Ricans

Abstract

Rationale The prevalence of asthma among Puerto Ricans living in NYC is among the highest in the US. Differences in acculturation within this community might influence the development and exacerbation of allergic disease. Methods To date, 99 infants of Puerto Rican ethnicity born to women with inhalant allergy and/or asthma living in NYC have been enrolled in this birth cohort study. Home characteristics, and allergic disease risk factors were assessed at birth, and respiratory symptoms were assessed during the first 6 months of life. Travel to areas outside of NYC, especially tropical environments, was assessed every 3 months which might indicate differences in allergen exposure. Results Fewer women who were born on the mainland reported sightings of mice (35% vs. 52%, p=0.1) and cockroaches (65% vs. 82%, p=0.1) in their homes compared with those born in Puerto Rico or another country. In addition, dog ownership was more common among women born outside of the mainland (22% vs. 10%, p=0.2), and cat ownership was more common among women born on the mainland (17% vs. 7%, p=0.3). Of the 99 children enrolled, already 10 have traveled to Puerto Rico and 2 to other Caribbean countries. Of the children who have reached 6 months of age, 23% (12/53) have been to the emergency department for respiratory illness. Conclusions While the sample size thus far is small, it is clear that an understanding of acculturation could lead to better targeting of asthma risk factor interventions.