RESUMO
To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive asthma management education program for 7- to 12-year-old children with asthma, entitled Roaring Adventures of Puff (RAP), 18 elementary schools in Edmonton were randomized to intervention and control groups. Participating in the program were 76 students with asthma in the intervention schools and 86 in the control schools. Children in the intervention schools had statistically significant improvements in unscheduled doctor visits, missed school days, moderate-to-severe parent rating of severity, severity of shortness of breath, limitations in the kind of play, and correct use of medications. Unscheduled doctor visits and missed school days were the only significant improvements in the control group; however, improvements were about half that of the intervention group. The results showed that a comprehensive, school-based asthma education program is feasible and improves outcomes.
Assuntos
Asma/terapia , Educação em Saúde/métodos , Serviços de Saúde Escolar/organização & administração , Adolescente , Canadá , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Gerenciamento Clínico , Feminino , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Nível de Saúde , Humanos , Masculino , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Qualidade de Vida , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
The "Roaring Adventures of Puff" (RAP) is a childhood asthma education program that targets children 7 to 12 years of age and their families. This program is designed to improve the quality of life of these children and improve asthma management for optimal asthma control. The program uses interactive educational strategies based on the principles of the Social Cognitive Theory. The article highlights aspects of the theory, provides an overview of the RAP program, and outlines some of the practical components of the program. RAP is an innovative program that is adaptable to a variety of settings and may serve as a health education model for children.
