Abstract

Despite advances in medical technology, statistical evidence indicates that asthma related morbidity and mortality rates continue to rise, especially in the late adolescent population. Current research literature suggests that patient education may be beneficial in obtaining and maintaining asthma control in the pediatric and adult populations. Currently, however, there is little research available regarding the impact of education in the late adolescent population. This study, therefore, sought to determine the impact of an educational program on asthma symptoms and knowledge among late adolescents. Becker's Health Belief Model was used as the theoretical framework. A quantitative, quasi-experimental design was utilized to test the two research null hypotheses. The first null hypothesis was there will be no difference in asthma symptoms of late adolescents before and after an asthma educational program. The second null hypothesis was there will be no difference in knowledge of asthma of the 111 late adolescent before and after an asthma educational program. Subjects included male and female adolescents between the ages of 18 and 2 5 years who had been referred by their primary care health provider as candidates for enrollment in the asthma education study and who met all study criteria. Data were obtained from participant questionnaires and lung function studies. Asthma symptoms were measured and assessed by utilization of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Life Quality (LQ) Test and by objective peak flow measurements. Asthma knowledge was measured and assessed by utilization of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute questionnaire Check Your Asthma IQ. Baseline data were obtained prior to a 40- to 6 0-minute educational intervention; post intervention data were then obtained at 2 weeks following the intervention. Telephone follow-up data were obtained at approximately 6 to 8 weeks following the intervention. The data were collected at the student health center of a large university in Northeast Mississippi. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the two-tailed t t e s t .

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1997

Publication Number

27924555

First Advisor

Lorraine Hamm

Second Advisor

Patricia

Document Type

Thesis

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Nursing Commons

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