The New York City Puerto Rican asthma project: study design, methods, and baseline results.

OBJECTIVE We examined asthma risk factors among 274 Puerto Rican children born in New York to atopic mothers. METHODS We prospectively followed the cohort to measure aeroallergens in their homes and assess allergic sensitization. Baseline data are presented. RESULTS Maternal smoking was significantly higher among women born on the continental United States (25%) vs. those born elsewhere (11%). Cat ownership was more frequent among mainland-born women (15%) compared with those born in Puerto Rico (4%). While some aeroallergens were prevalent, few dust samples contained detectable dust mite allergens. CONCLUSIONS By following this cohort, we hope to identify the roles that socio-cultural factors play in the process of allergic sensitization.