Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2012 Mar;32(1):21-25.

Improvement in Disease Knowledge through an Education Program of Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Education programs are essential in improving disease management and quality of life in patients with atopic dermatitis and their families by promoting disease knowledge. In these perspectives, the Seoul Atopy Asthma Education and Information Center has been established under the project 'Atopy-free Seoul' by Seoul City since 2008. Our goal is an improvement in public health through development of education programs and counseling activities based on scientifically proven medicine. However, implementation and evaluation of effectiveness of education programs are needed to redeem configuration. The aim of this study was to determine the necessity of an education program of atopic dermatitis for optimal disease management.
METHODS
An education program for citizens was designed by the advisory organization of Korean Asthma Allergy Foundation. To evaluate the efficacy of the education program, 9 questionnaires about disease knowledge were developed. Participants were asked to answer the questionnaires and differences in the percentage of correct answers were compared before and after the program education.
RESULTS
In 5 sessions, 359 participants responded to the survey on disease knowledge before and after the education program. There was significant increase in the percentage of correct answers to 5 out of the 9 questions. This result proved that the education program was effective in improving the disease knowledge of atopic dermatitis.
CONCLUSION
Significant improvement in disease knowledge after education of atopic dermatitis supports the need and feasibility of education programs for citizens.

MeSH Terms

Asthma
Counseling
Dermatitis, Atopic
Disease Management
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Information Centers
Public Health
Quality of Life
Surveys and Questionnaires