Data from a 10-site longitudinal investigation of environmental factors associated with child development, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study on Early Child Care and Youth Development, were analyzed to identify psychosocial and lifestyle factors connected to early-onset persistent and late-onset asthma. Results showed that early-onset persistent asthma was associated with male gender, high levels of respiratory illness, and fewer opportunities for active experiences connected to family life. Late-onset asthma was related to minority status, high levels of respiratory illness, and not entering child care prior to 6 months. Parenting stress early in life does not appear to increase the risk for asthma in the general population.
