[Psychological factors contributing to asthma in asthmatic children and adolescents and their parents].

Introduction: Nowadays, psychosocial risk factors may contribute to asthma-related problems among children, adolescents and family members; such disorders are described in this article.

Methods: A descriptive study, which included 50 children and their parents who took part in the educational program of Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Juan Manuel Márquez from 1997 to 1999, was performed. A survey, designed to establish psychological factors in children during both generally and symptom exacerbations, activities carried out with or without symptoms, and parental attitudes during illness episodes, was given to each one of the participants.

[Educational program for asthmatic children and teenagers and their parents].

Background: Asthma is considered a health problem in Cuba. Its prevalence has increased and its morbidity and social-economic cost are important, although mortality and hospitalizations indicators have improved. Taking into consideration that the lack of information about this disease is considered a health hazard all over the world, an interactive educational program was prepared so that patients could learn how to handle their disease.