The efficacy of educational interventions for self-management of asthma in children : literature review

The purpose of this research paper was to explore the effectiveness of educational interventions for children with asthma by identifying key components and reported efficacy of asthma self-management educational interventions for children in reduction of school absenteeism and emergency room (ER) visits. A matrix was developed to review the literature by the student and her advisor. The results found that some of the key components of the studies were multiple interventions performed, direct education to the child and/or caregiver, addressed other areas outside of medicine regimen of asthma, use of community representatives, reduction of environmental factors, and being culturally relevant. A total of two studies met the criteria for reported efficacy of asthma selfmanagement educational interventions for children in reduction of school absenteeism. The last set of data reviewed was the reported efficacy of asthma self-management educational interventions for children in reduction of ER visits. Four interventions were used. One study found that adherence of medication intervention included asthma education and helped to make a significant reduction in ER visits. Further research of the topic areas for educational interventions for children with asthma is recommended.