Related Experiment Videos
Assisting teens with asthma to take command
Ann-Charlotte Englund1, Jan Hartman, Kerstin Segesten
1School of Health Sciences, Boras University College, Boras, Sweden. lotta.englund@hb.se
Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences
|June 8, 2006
Summary
Professional caregivers use five strategies to help teenagers with asthma gain independence. These strategies, including respect and promoting responsibility, empower youths to manage their condition effectively.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Adolescent Health
- Chronic Disease Management
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical period for developing autonomy.
- Asthma prevalence is increasing globally, yet caregiver strategies remain understudied.
- Working with teenagers, especially those with chronic conditions like asthma, presents unique challenges for caregivers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the strategies employed by professional caregivers working with teenagers who have asthma.
- To understand the core concerns and actions of caregivers in this specific population.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory methodology, inspired by Glaser.
- Data collection through participant observation and interviews.
- Study conducted at an eight-day asthma camp in Sweden with seven professional caregivers.
Main Results:
- The core concern identified is assisting teenagers with asthma to 'take command' of their condition.
- Five key strategies emerged: showing respect, being available, promoting self-responsibility, encouraging boundary-pushing, and fostering reflection.
- Observed differences in how caregivers support boys and girls in taking command.
Conclusions:
- The developed theory, 'Assisting teenagers with asthma to take command,' provides a framework for caregiver interventions.
- These strategies are applicable not only in asthma camp settings but also offer inspiration for caregivers in other environments.
- Understanding and applying these strategies can enhance the management of asthma in adolescents.