Related Experiment Videos
Self management practices in adult asthmatics
R Laird1, K Chamberlain, J Spicer
1Department of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|March 9, 1994
Summary
Older adults and females with asthma demonstrate better medication adherence and self-management skills. Experiencing more asthma symptoms also motivates improved self-care practices in adult asthmatics.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Health Psychology
- Asthma Management
Background:
- Asthma self-management is crucial for controlling the condition.
- Understanding factors influencing adherence and competencies is key for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how age, sex, education, and symptom count affect medication adherence and asthma self-management competencies in adults.
- To identify demographic and clinical predictors of self-management behaviors in asthma patients.
Main Methods:
- A mailed survey was administered to 412 adult asthmatics from two asthma societies.
- Data collected included medication adherence, asthma health competencies, symptom severity, and demographics.
Main Results:
- Older asthmatics showed higher medication adherence and competency use.
- Females utilized more competencies than males.
- Increased symptom severity correlated with greater competency use; education level showed no significant difference.
Conclusions:
- Older adults' better adherence may stem from recognizing medication efficacy.
- Enhanced competency use in older adults and women reflects higher health valuation and reduced risk-taking behaviors.
- Asthma symptom experience appears to drive better self-management, highlighting the importance of competencies in asthma control.