Educational camp for children with asthma.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of a 5-day educational camp program for children with asthma in terms of improving their knowledge of asthma and enhancing their performance in the use of inhaled medication and in physical activities.


METHODS
Every day, the children received 20-min interactive educational sessions, the technique for using the metered-dose inhaler was reviewed, two peak flow readings were recorded, and the children performed physical activities that included breathing and relaxation exercises. A questionnaire regarding knowledge of asthma, as well as asthma triggers, asthma medications, misconceptions regarding asthma, and the use of spacers, was administered before and after the intervention. Correct use of inhaled medication and exercise-related symptoms were also evaluated before and after the intervention.


RESULTS
A total of 37 children with asthma, aged 8-10 years (15 females and 22 males), were included in this study. Of those, 25% showed an improvement in the level of knowledge of asthma after the educational camp program, as evidenced by the greater number of correct answers on three of the twelve questions analyzed (p < 0.05). The exercise-related dyspnea scores decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The ability to use inhaled medication correctly was significantly improved after the intervention (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The asthma educational camp program can improve knowledge about specific questions, encourage participation in physical activities, and improve the asthma management skills of children.
Costa
Maria do Rosario da Silva Ramos
Mdo R
Clinical Department, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, Federal University of Maranhão - São Luís, Brazil.
Oliveira
Maria Alenita
MA
Santoro
Ilka Lopes
IL
Juliano
Yara
Y
Pinto
José Rosado
JR
Fernandes
Ana Luisa Godoy
AL
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002165:Camping; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D036501:Metered Dose Inhalers; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012646:Self Administration; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents