Rabito FA, Werthmann D, He H, et al. - Data for this cross-sectional analysis were collected from two asthma studies in New Orleans, Louisiana to investigate the association between cockroach exposure, stress, and asthma morbidity by assessing various pathways by which they may be interrelated. The sample consisted of 173 children with asthma. Adjusting for stress and other covariates, cockroach exposure was linked to unscheduled clinic/emergency department visits. In addition, positive associations were noted for hospitalization and FEV ₁ < 80%. The clear connection between cockroach exposure and asthma morbidity is not the result of uncontrolled stress confounding. The combination of cockroach exposure and high stress, which is common in urban homes, are modifiable factors linked to poor asthma outcomes.