Asthma education program for First Nations children: an exemplar of the knowledge-to-action framework.

Background: The prevalence of asthma in Aboriginal children is 6% to 14%. Gaps in knowledge regarding asthma and its management exist in First Nations (FN) communities, and culturally relevant education and resources are required. Studies have recommended that the children's asthma education program, the 'Roaring Adventures of Puff', be modified through partnership with FN communities to be culturally appropriate.

A children's asthma education program: Roaring Adventures of Puff (RAP), improves quality of life.

Background: It is postulated that children with asthma who receive an interactive, comprehensive education program would improve their quality of life, asthma management and asthma control compared with children receiving usual care.

Objective: To assess the feasibility and impact of 'Roaring Adventures of Puff' (RAP), a six-week childhood asthma education program administered by health professionals in schools.

Methods: Thirty-four schools from three health regions in Alberta were randomly assigned to receive either the RAP asthma program (intervention group) or usual care (control group).

A child's asthma quality of life rating does not significantly influence management of their asthma.

Background: Children of parents who perceive their children have increased asthma severity use more medical services and reliever medication.

Methods: A randomized control trial of the Roaring Adventures of Puff (RAP) education program was completed among 287 grade 2-5 children with asthma. Parents and children completed a quality of life (QOL) questionnaire pre-intervention, 6 and 12 months post-intervention.

Advances in development and evaluation of asthma education programs.

Purpose Of Review: Effective asthma education requires more than merely providing information on asthma. Behavior change and learning principles must be incorporated into educational programs. However, there remains much debate and research about the most effective strategies to educate people to deal effectively with their asthma.

Developing a school asthma policy.

Schools are faced with the challenging mandate of addressing the learning needs of students while simultaneously managing a gamut of behavior and health problems. School health policies have been successfully used for many health-related issues. Although asthma is the most common chronic disease among children, schools receive only a small amount of support to manage asthma issues.