Establishment and evaluation of a preschool asthma programme: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Asthma is a significant health concern for preschool children in New Zealand.
• Existing asthma self-management programs have primarily targeted older children and adults, with limited application for preschoolers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and evaluate a Preschool Asthma Programme.
• To determine if the program enhances parents' and children's knowledge, confidence, and skills in asthma management.
• To assess the program's impact on asthma control in preschool children.

Main Methods:

• A Preschool Asthma Programme was implemented with 15 families having children aged 3.5-5 years with moderate to severe asthma.
• Five families participated in each of the three program variations.
• Formative and outcome evaluations were used to assess program effectiveness.

Main Results:

• The program successfully increased parents' and children's knowledge and skills in asthma management.
• Parental confidence in managing their child's asthma and their child's ability to self-manage improved significantly.
• Participation correlated with enhanced lung function, better asthma control, and increased preschool attendance.
• Program success was higher for children over four years old with suboptimal asthma control.

Conclusions:

• Preschool children are capable of learning and applying asthma self-management skills, challenging previous assumptions.
• A Preschool Asthma Programme serves as a valuable adjunct to conventional asthma care.
• The program demonstrates potential for improving asthma management outcomes in young children.