Achieving treatment goals for schoolchildren with asthma

To identify problems in managing asthmatic children in school, which if dealt with would help reduce absenteeism and improve participation in school activities.

A survey by questionnaire to headteachers.

Schools in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff, South Wales.

Asthmatic schoolchildren in areas studied.

Facilities in schools to manage asthma, headteachers' perceptions of knowledge of asthma management by teachers, possession of written policies, and desire for further training.

There are 216 schools in the area studied, with 55,166 schoolchildren. A total of 191 (88%) headteachers returned the completed questionnaire. Five hundred and twenty seven (17%) children were reported absent from school during one term because of asthma, with an average of nine days of schooling lost per asthmatic child per term (range 2-16 days). Only 76 (40%) schools allowed children to be responsible for their inhalers, and 12 (6%) schools required parents to administer inhalers. In 115 (60%) schools, headteachers believed their staff were familiar with the management of asthma. A total of 174 (91%) headteachers expressed interest in further training.

This study highlights the need to train teachers and provide an agreed joint education and health policy on managing asthma in school.