Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Effects of a peer-led asthma self-management program for adolescents
Hyekyun Rhee1, Michael J Belyea, John F Hunt
1University of Rochester, School of Nursing, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. hyekyun_rhee@urmc.rochester.edu
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-led asthma self-management program for adolescents.
Design:
Randomized controlled trial comparing a peer-led asthma program (intervention group) and a conventional adult-led asthma program (control group). Each program was implemented at a full-day camp.
Setting:
A city and adjacent suburbs in upstate New York.
Participants:
A total of 112 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years with persistent asthma.
Intervention:
A peer-led asthma self-management program implemented at a day camp.
Main Outcome Measures:
The Child Attitude Toward Illness Scale and the Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire were administered at baseline and immediately and 3, 6, and 9 months after the intervention. Spirometry was conducted twice: before and 9 months after the intervention.
Results:
The intervention group reported more positive attitudes at 6 months (mean difference, 4.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-7.56) and higher quality of life at 6 months (difference, 11.38; 95% CI, 0.96-21.79) and 9 months (difference, 12.97; 95% CI, 3.46-22.48) than the control group. The intervention was found to be more beneficial to adolescents of male gender or low family income, as shown by greater improvement in positive attitudes toward asthma and quality of life than their counterparts.
Conclusion:
An asthma self-management program led by peer leaders is a developmentally appropriate approach that can be effective in assisting adolescents with asthma in improving their attitudes and quality of life, particularly for males and those of low socioeconomic status.
Trial Registration:
clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01161225.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations