Community and family programs for children with asthma.

Asthma programs have been developed to improve knowledge about this disease, to reduce morbidity and anxiety and to improve coping skills in families of children with asthma. These programs' goals are (1) to increase knowledge about the disease and its treatment, (2) to reduce morbidity, (3) to increase participation in recreational activities, (4) to improve family harmony, (5) to alleviate anxiety and promote the ability to relax and (6) to develop some self-management ability. Short-term evaluation has shown a significant increase in knowledge about asthma in parents and children. Long-term evaluation is in process and looks promising.