All issues > Volume 51(2); 2008

Original Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2008;51(2):188-203. Published online February 15, 2008.

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

Kang Jin KJ Seo¹, Gun Ha GH Kim¹, Byung Keun BK Yu¹, Yun Ku YK Yeo¹, Jong Hoon JH Kim², Eu Ddeum ED Shim², Mi Ri MR Yoon², Young Y Yoo¹, Ji Tae JT Choung¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
²Department of Medical School, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence Ji Tae JT Choung ,Email: jt42525@korea.ac.kr

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.

Keywords :Asthma, Patient education, Children, Family, Disease management, Behavior, Knowledge, Self efficacy, Quality of life