The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65802

Joan Mangan, MST¹, Lynn Gerald, PhD², Pam Skelton³, Aubrey Daniels, PhD³, and William C. Bailey, MD². (1) Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd., Ryals Building, Suite 217, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, 205-934-1752, jmangan@ms.soph.uab.edu, (2) Lung Health Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, NHB 104, 1530 3rd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294-7337, (3) Aubrey Daniels International, 3531 Habersham at Northlake, Tucker, GA 30084

Daily peak flow monitoring is recommended by the pediatric asthma guidelines. However, few children use peak flow meters (PFM) on a regular basis. The University of Alabama at Birmingham recently collaborated with Aubrey Daniels International and Snowfly, Inc. to develop an internet-based asthma education and peak flow monitoring system for use in elementary schools. We hypothesized that a program developed using constructs from social cognitive theory, principals of self-management and recognition and reward, would create a system that would maintain high adherence rates to daily PFM usage. The program centered on the theme “Asthma Agents: Patrolling and Controlling Asthma”. The computerized education provided basic asthma education and taught children skills associated with correct PFM use. Children were then asked to log into the Internet daily prior to P.E. class, to record their PFM reading, asthma symptoms, and medication use. Children earned small rewards for logging into the program. Teachers and the school nurse were able to earn rewards for helping children log onto the system and follow-up for abnormal PFM readings. On average, children logged onto the system and used their PFM 83% of the days; which was excellent considering the project was conducted in the last 4 weeks of the school year when there were many trips and distractions. Qualitative data indicated the children retained knowledge of how to use a PFM and implement their asthma action plan. Teachers reported that the system was easy to use and increased their sense of competency in dealing with asthma symptoms.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
• 1.Identify the components of an intervention to increase asthma self-management knowledge and skills among elementary school children.
• 2.Describe the impact of the “Asthma Agent” program on adherence to peak flow monitoring.
• 3.Discuss challenges encountered through school-based research.

Keywords: Asthma, Child Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Funding provided by Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Alabama