Educational program on self-management for asthmatic school children

This study was conducted to improve asthmatic school children's knowledge, belief and behavior related to asthma in order to improve their control of the disease. A total of 54 school children suffering from moderate or severe asthma who are attending the allergy center affiliated to school Students' Hospital of Alexandria were enrolled in the present study. An educational intervention was provided to these asthmatic children, each one was accompanied by one of his/her parents. It consisted of two components: classes conducted in group settings and individualized monthly visits. The intervention continued for a 6-month period. An interview questionnaire was used to assess both children's and parent's knowledge and beliefs related to asthma before and after the intervention. The children's inhaler use technique was also assessed twice by an observational check list. The study revealed significant improvement in both children's and parent's knowledge and beliefs concerning asthma inhaler use technique which significantly improved and positive behavioral changes were reported. The frequency of emergency room visits (ERV) due to asthma over a 6-month period after the initial assessment was substantially less than in the prior 6-month period (p<0.05). It could be concluded that patient education can significantly affect asthmatic's knowledge and behavior and consequently morbidity as revealed by reduction of frequency of ERV. It should be considered one of the major components of asthma care.