Evaluating the implementation of a multicomponent asthma education program for Head Start staff.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Asthma Management
• Childcare Health Education

Background:

• Asthma disproportionately impacts minority and low-income children, a population primarily served by Head Start (HS) programs.
• HS staff currently lack adequate training in asthma management, creating a critical knowledge gap.
• Effective asthma management in early childhood settings is crucial for reducing health disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a 5-year, multicomponent asthma education program for staff in Baltimore City Head Start programs.
• To evaluate changes in HS staff's asthma knowledge, skills, and medication management practices.
• To determine the feasibility of integrating health education into childcare provider training.

Main Methods:

• Annual asthma education was provided, including didactic lectures and hands-on training, with continuing education credits offered.
• Anonymous surveys were administered to HS staff in Year 1 (preimplementation) and Year 5 to assess knowledge, skills, and practices.
• Response rates were high, with 94% in Year 1 and 82% in Year 5.

Main Results:

• Year 5 staff reported significantly better asthma knowledge and skills (OR 1.63, p < 0.05) and engagement in asthma care activities (OR 2.02, p < 0.05) compared to Year 1 staff.
• Self-reported asthma action plans for all children with asthma increased from 82% in Year 1 to 89% in Year 5 (p = 0.064).
• Staff demonstrated improved self-assessed medication management practices and asthma care activities.

Conclusions:

• The multicomponent asthma education program effectively enhanced HS staff's self-assessed knowledge, skills, and practices.
• The program demonstrates the feasibility of improving asthma management in childcare settings through provider training.
• Addressing asthma knowledge gaps in HS staff can lead to better asthma care for high-risk children.