A health education program for children with asthma

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Health Education
• Asthma Management

Background:

• Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition in children.
• Effective management requires patient education and self-efficacy.
• School-based interventions offer a practical setting for health education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a school-based health education program on children with asthma.
• To assess changes in knowledge, perceived control, and anxiety among participants.
• To determine the feasibility of structured, small-group educational programs.

Main Methods:

• A school-based health education program was implemented for children with asthma.
• A comparison group of children with asthma was used in the first year.
• The program was administered to the comparison group in the second year to replicate findings.

Main Results:

• The educational program significantly improved participants' knowledge about asthma.
• Children demonstrated an increased perception of control over their health.
• Anxiety associated with illness was reduced in the program participants.

Conclusions:

• Structured, small-group health education programs are effective in meeting educational objectives for children with asthma.
• School-based interventions can positively influence children's asthma knowledge, self-efficacy, and emotional well-being.
• This approach supports improved self-management and quality of life for pediatric asthma patients.