Evaluation of an Educational Program for Adolescents With Asthma

Abstract

In addition to challenges of adolescence itself, teens with asthma face demands of asthma management and risks of asthma sequelae, including fatalities. Few asthma educational programs specifically address their needs. In response to school nurse concern, this pilot study evaluated an adolescent asthma education program, the Power Breathing™ Program, together with individual coaching sessions in terms of general asthma knowledge and health status. Thirteen high school students, predominantly female and African American, participated over a 6-month period. Evaluation tools included the Child Health Survey for Asthma, a focus group interview, and a program evaluation questionnaire. Participants reported that knowledge gained improved trigger avoidance, increased medication adherence, and decreased the frequency of asthma episodes. They described the individual coaching sessions as helpful in assimilating and applying information. The Power Breathing Program and coaching sessions show promise as an asthma educational program particularly tailored to adolescents. This article suggests further evaluation of the program and describes implications for school nurses.