Obese-Asthma Phenotype Self-Management: A Literature Review

Recent identification of the early-onset obese-asthma phenotype has spurred exploration of ways to promote effective, long-term management behaviors for children with this comorbid presentation. Few studies have examined the needs of children with both asthma and obesity and little is known about optimal management options for this unique population. Therefore, the authors aimed to review, critique, and synthesize existing published research on health-management programs designed for children with comorbid asthma and obesity in order to describe the state of the science and recommend next steps in creating pediatric management programs.

Articles selected for a full-text review were pediatric-focused, included children with both asthma and obesity diagnoses, and discussed the implementation and evaluation of a management program or the evaluation of a management behavior.

Fifteen articles were selected for review based on the inclusion criteria.

Studies that included current evidence-based elements had better results than those that did not include such elements.

Based on this review, it is recommended that researchers use theory based, multicomponent, multimodal, family-focused, behaviorally-based interventions that address systems-level influences, social determinates of health, and children's developmental needs over time. Additionally, there is a need for studies with sample sizes adequate for power analyses that include the youngest children with asthma and obesity.

The need for effective programs for pediatric obese-asthma phenotype management creates the opportunity for nursing-led research and interventions to foster long-term health promotion for affected children and families.