title: An evaluation of a pictorial asthma medication plan for Pacific children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The burden of asthma falls disproportionately on children from New Zealand's Pacific communities. Guidelines recommend pictorial resources but these have not been evaluated in this population.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Evaluate a pictorial asthma medication plan focusing on regular 'everyday' inhaler use and a signs and symptoms sheet for Pacific children; the primary outcome measure was continued use of resources after 6 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Resources were provided to families with face-to-face education at a general practice or inpatient setting in West Auckland. A questionnaire about the resources was completed after 6 weeks, and an audit regarding use after 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data from 48 children were analysed (Samoan, n=31); 45 English and 22 first language versions (Samoan, Tongan, Tuvaluan) were used; median time to questionnaire completion was 48 days. The pictorial asthma medication plan was acceptable to families, effective at reinforcing the importance of 'everyday' inhalers, and a reminder for regular use; the signs and symptoms sheets were informative and improved self-efficacy; 93% of families were using the resources after 6 months. An increase in 'everyday' inhaler use was observed after education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The resources were effective at improving inhaler knowledge and supporting symptom recognition. A 'less-is-more' approach, pictorial format, and first language availability are characteristics that may benefit other ethnicities.
authors.affiliation: Waitemata District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand. john.kristiansen@waitematadhb.govt.nz
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kristiansen
authors.forename: Edlyn
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hetutu
authors.forename: Moana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manukia
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jelleyman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000208:ethnology; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D009520:New Zealand; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents