BREATHE-CC (Bridging Respiratory Exposures, Asthma, and Environmental Health in Corpus Christi) is a research study led by the Melaram Lab at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi in partnership with Driscoll Children's Hospital and the Global Institute for Hispanic Health. It examines how environmental factors like air quality, household conditions, and geographic location affect respiratory health in children in the Corpus Christi area.

Corpus Christi faces notably high rates of pediatric asthma and wheezing, driven by regional factors including industrial emissions, allergens, and coastal humidity. This study aims to better understand how these exposures contribute to respiratory problems in children so that healthcare providers can identify at-risk children earlier and develop more effective care strategies.

Children aged 0–10 years who receive care at Driscoll Children's Hospital and have a diagnosis of asthma or chronic respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, chronic cough, or allergic rhinitis. A parent or guardian must provide consent. Children with certain conditions (such as cystic fibrosis, congenital heart disease, or primary immunodeficiencies) are not eligible. If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, please contact the study team.

The study lasts 18 months. After completing a one-time enrollment survey about your child's health history and home environment, you will answer a short monthly survey through the MyCap app about your child's respiratory symptoms and any changes at home. Each monthly survey takes just a few minutes.

MyCap is the mobile app used to deliver and collect your study surveys. You will receive setup instructions after enrolling. For step-by-step guidance, visit our Joining MyCap page.

Yes. You will receive regular reminders through your preferred communication channel — either text messages or email — to help you stay on track. Progress updates will also be sent between payment periods.

Missing an occasional survey will not remove you from the study. However, missing more than one survey in a 6-month period means you will not receive the $25 completion bonus for that period. Your quarterly base payments are not affected as long as you continue participating.

Yes. All study materials and surveys are provided in both English and Spanish.

You will receive Visa gift cards throughout the study:

• $25 after completing enrollment surveys
• $50 every 3 months for continued participation
• $25 bonus every 6 months if you miss no more than one survey in that period

The maximum total over 18 months is $400. See our Schedule & Compensation page for the full breakdown.

No. Only survey completions count toward your gift card payments and bonuses.

Yes. The study is approved by the Institutional Review Boards (IRB) at both TAMU-CC and Driscoll Children's Hospital. All data is HIPAA-compliant, stored in encrypted databases with controlled access, and never shared publicly. Only authorized researchers with CITI certification have access. Published findings use only de-identified, aggregate data.

Yes. Participation is completely voluntary and you may withdraw at any time without penalty. Withdrawing will not affect your child's care at Driscoll Children's Hospital. You will receive compensation for any survey periods already completed. Contact BREATHE-CC@tamucc.edu if you wish to withdraw.