Knowledge and attitude of healthy high school students toward bronchial asthma and asthmatic pupils

One hundred sixteen healthy high school pupils were interviewed and completed a questionnaire concerning their knowledge about asthma and their attitude towards asthmatic peers. They were compared with 35 asthmatic pupils studying at the same school. The level of knowledge was quite satisfactory, with the knowledge of the asthmatic pupils being somewhat higher than that of the healthy pupils, but without statistical significance. There was a correlation with the age of the pupils in both groups (p < 0.0001). The source of pupils' knowledge came principally from the media (television and newspapers), the family (talking with parents), treating physicians, and school nurses. The healthy pupils displayed less tolerance toward the asthmatic disease and its limitations on activity than that displayed by the asthmatic pupils (p < 0.001). A correlation was found between the level of knowledge and attitude, with an increased level of knowledge implying a more tolerant attitude. A correlation was also found between tolerant attitudes and increasing age, increasing parental education, and the pupils' behavior marks. The recommendation of the survey is to improve the instruction regarding bronchial asthmatic diseases with classes taught by physicians or nurses. By increasing the knowledge of the healthy pupils at school, their attitudes will be more tolerant and positive toward the asthmatic pupils.