A randomized controlled study of a computerized limited education program among young adults with asthma.
The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a computerized limited asthma education program, designed to suit young people. The study was conducted with 97 young adults (18-25 years) with asthma, 48 were randomized to the intervention group and 49 to the control group, and they were followed for 12 months. The intervention group completed an interactive computer program of 30-min duration providing information about asthma, mechanisms, trigger factors, allergies and medication use, which was followed by a 30-min discussion with a specialized asthma nurse. The control group followed the routine schedule for asthma outpatients. The outcomes of the study were number of hospital admissions, emergency visits, asthma symptoms, knowledge about asthma, lung function and quality of life. No effect was found regarding admission to hospital, emergency visits, prevalence of respiratory symptoms, knowledge of asthma or quality of life. However, forced exhaled volume in 1s (FEV(1)) increased significantly, mainly among the atopic subjects. In conclusion, an intervention with a limited asthma education program did not show an effect on asthma symptoms, asthma knowledge or quality of life parameters.
Sundberg
Rosita
R
Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sigfridsgatan 85B, 412 66 Göteborg, Sweden.
Tunsäter
Alf
A
Palmqvist
Mona
M
Ellbjär
Susanne
S
Löwhagen
Olle
O
Torén
Kjell
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods; D011788:Quality of Life; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000502:physiology