[Psychological factors contributing to asthma in asthmatic children and adolescents and their parents]. / Factores psicológicos que contribuyen al asma en niños y adolescentes asmáticos y sus padres.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, psychosocial risk factors may contribute to asthma-related problems among children, adolescents and family members; such disorders are described in this article. METHODS: A descriptive study, which included 50 children and their parents who took part in the educational program of Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Juan Manuel Márquez from 1997 to 1999, was performed. A survey, designed to establish psychological factors in children during both generally and symptom exacerbations, activities carried out with or without symptoms, and parental attitudes during illness episodes, was given to each one of the participants. Values were expressed in percentages. We used the Crosstabs to explore the relationships among variables. RESULTS: Anxiety, among other psychological stressors, prevailed in children (92%). Day-to-day activities were seriously affected in children with and without symptoms of illness: play 58%, exercise 60%. Children who received less parental support had severe persistent asthma, up to 20%. CONCLUSION: Symptoms severity is associated with child well-being and negative attitudes of parents.