title: Effect of Family Empowerment on the Quality of life of School-Aged Children with Asthma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Asthma is the most common, chronic, childhood disease. Its chronic nature and long-term treatment decrease the quality of life of children and significantly affect the family function. This study was conducted to assess the impact of family empowerment on the quality of life of school-aged children with asthma.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a quasi-experimental study. Forty-five asthmatic children (7-11 years) and their parents referred to the Pediatric Asthma Clinic in Masih Daneshvari Hospital were selected using convenience sampling and were randomly divided into case (n = 14) and control (n = 16) groups. Data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire and Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire with standardized activities (PAQLQ). The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were tested. The family empowerment program for the intervention group included lectures, group discussions and demonstration of educational films. The questionnaires were filled out pre- and post-test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences before the intervention between the test and control groups in terms of demographic characteristics and PAQLQ scores. While, independent t-test showed significant differences between the two groups in PAQLQ total score and the subscale scores before and after the intervention (P < 0.05). Paired t-test showed significant differences before and after the intervention in the case group in terms of PAQLQ total score and the subscale scores (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Considering the positive impact of of family empowerment program on the quality of life of school-aged children with asthma, this program is recommended for proper control and management of disease and decreasing the complications in asthmatic patients of all age groups.
authors.affiliation: Nursing Department, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Payrovee
authors.affiliation: Nursing Department, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Kashaninia
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alireza Mahdaviani
authors.affiliation: University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Pouria
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rezasoltani
keywords: Asthma; Family Empowerment; Quality of life; School-aged children