Effect of disease management education on the quality of life and self-efficacy levels of children with asthma.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of disease management education provided to children with asthma on their quality of life and self-efficacy levels.

METHODS AND DESIGN

The study design was a quasi-experimental design with The One Group Pretest-Posttest design. This study was conducted on 60 children with asthma between 10 and 18 years of age. Data were collected by "Information Form", "Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire", and "Self-Efficacy Scale for Children and Adolescents with Asthma". Children's quality of life and self-efficacy levels were assessed before receiving an individual asthma education intervention and then children were informed with an asthma management education book individually. Two months after the education intervention, the quality of life and self-efficacy levels of the children were re-evaluated.

RESULTS

The children's quality of life and self-efficacy levels increased significantly after education (p = 0.014). Maternal age, number of siblings, number of family members living in the same house, activity status, the frequency of experiencing symptoms, and the ability to use the inhalers on their own affected children quality of life. Child's age, knowledge about factors causing asthma, and ability to use medication on their own affected their self-efficacy ( p < 0.05).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

According to these results, planned asthma education program and provided continuity of this education by nurses would be effective to improve the quality of life and levels of self-efficacy. Asthma management education for children with asthma by nurses after diagnosis is beneficial for improving the quality of life and levels of self-efficacy.