Multisystemic Therapy to Reduce Health Disparities in Adolescents With Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Symptoms can include recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. Minority, inner city teens are at increased risk for complications from the disease, possibly because of poor illness management. The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of Multisystemic Therapy (MST)-an intensive, home- and community-based psychotherapy-for improving asthma management and overall health and for reducing healthcare costs for inner city African American teens with asthma.