Korean J Pediatr.  2008 Feb;51(2):188-203. 10.3345/kjp.2008.51.2.188.

Effects of an intensive asthma education program on asthmatic children and their caregivers

• Seo KJ
• Kim GH
• Yu BK
• Yeo YK
• Kim JH
• Shim ED
• Yoon MR
• Yoo Y
• Choung JT

• KMID: 2280228
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2008.51.2.188

Abstract

PURPOSE: Asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood disease. Education of asthmatic children and their families about asthma and its management may improve disease control, reduce symptoms, and improve school performance. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of an intensive asthma education program in asthmatic children and their families on outcome measure of asthma management behavior scale, knowledge about asthma, self efficacy scale and quality of life.
METHODS
Fifteen asthmatic children and their families were invited the intensive asthma education program which including allergen avoidance, management of asthma, correct use of the inhalation devices and control of exercise-induced asthma (study group). Fifteen asthmatic children and their families those who did not participate this program were served as control group. Participants were asked to complete a written questionnaire before and 3-month after the program.
RESULTS
After completing the intensive education program, significant improvement of the childrens asthma management behavior scale (27.1 vs. 32.2, P=0.011), belief and knowledge about asthma (14.2 vs. 17.9, P<0.001), self efficacy (47.9 vs. 49.7, P=0.091) and quality of life (79.6 vs. 88.6, P<0.001) was noted in the study group by measuring questionnaires. There are increasing tendencies in parental asthma management behavior scale and knowledge about asthma.
CONCLUSION
This intensive asthma education program is effective in improving asthma control, self efficacy and quality of life of asthmatic children. This should serve as a national model for family-based programs for asthmatic children and their families.

Keyword

Asthma; Patient education; Children; Family; Disease management; Behavior; Knowledge; Self efficacy; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Asthma
Asthma, Exercise-Induced
Caregivers
Child
Disease Management
Humans
Nebulizers and Vaporizers
Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
Parents
Patient Education as Topic
Quality of Life
Surveys and Questionnaires
Self Efficacy