Helpful hints: caregiver-generated asthma management strategies and their relation to pediatric asthma symptoms and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

This mixed-methods study examined the relation between caregiver-generated asthma management strategies and asthma severity in a sample of 200 children with persistent asthma (ages 5-12 years).

METHODS

Caregivers were interviewed about asthma management strategies they found helpful in controlling their child's symptoms. A qualitative content analysis was used to identify household strategies. Indicators of asthma severity included lung functioning (FEV(1)) and functional severity (FSS). Child quality of life was also assessed (PQLQ).

RESULTS

Six primary household strategies were identified: Reactive, Planning Ahead, Social, Emotional, Avoiding Triggers, and Cleaning. In general, strategies offered by caregivers did not differ by socioeconomic status. Caregivers who endorsed Avoiding Triggers as effective strategies had children with better lung functioning. Caregivers who endorsed Planning Ahead or Emotional strategies had children with better asthma-related quality of life.

CONCLUSION

These household strategies hold promise for reducing pediatric asthma symptoms and improving child quality of life.