USC staff collected data from all study participants during morning school visits. Study participation includes the following study components:
Health questionnaires
Used to update respiratory health records, home exposures, smoking status, physical activity, and nutritional information.
Physical activity assessment
Hand-recorded activity diaries and/or step-counters (pedometers) were used to record physical movement over several days around in-school testing.
Breathing tests
Used to measure airflows and volumes. Two types of tests were done; 1. Pulmonary function test (PFT), done by taking a deep breath in, and then “blasting” it out as quickly as possible; 2. Exhaled Nitric Oxide test (eNO), done by exhaling at a control rate into a tube.
Height and weight measurements
Used to document annual growth and how obesity may influence respiratory health.
Inner cheek cells (buccal cells)
Cell samples used to learn about inheritable traits from parents and family. Collected from brushing the inside of cheeks.
Dust wipe sample
Collection of house dust sample from participants’ homes to test for allergens in the home environment.