title: Online support for children with asthma and allergies.
abstract: Children with asthma and allergies experience social isolation and gaps in social support particularly from peers. The objective of this pilot study was to design and test an accessible online support intervention for these children. Children (n = 27) aged 7 to 11 from across Canada participated. GoToMeeting was employed for the support group sessions and Club Penguin for social connections during and between support group meetings. Content included: strategies for coping with asthma and allergies, role playing and games to help children deal with difficult situations, fun and enjoyment, and presentations by positive role models. Participation in the online peer support intervention was high, 86.3% on average over the 8-week intervention. By sharing their experiences, listening to peers' experiences, and role playing, children were introduced to practical skills: problem solving, communicating, seeking support, and self-advocacy.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing & School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Letourneau
authors.forename: Jeffrey R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Masuda
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Shawna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McGhan
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001249:Asthma / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D019992:Databases as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012381:Role Playing; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D061108:Social Media; D012944:Social Support