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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Barbara Kaplan, MPH, CHES, American Lung Association, 1150 18th Street, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036, 202-785-3355, bkaplan@lungusadc.org

Asthma remains a health problem of staggering proportions. While there have been numerous programs and initiatives targeting children with asthma, there is a lack of comparable focus on the needs of adults with asthma. Recognizing this gap, the American Lung Association, through CDC funding, adopted an existing validated program, modified the program, and pilot tested it for community-based implementation. The American Lung Association is pleased to announce the launch of the program nationwide.

A formative evaluation determined the acceptability and feasibility of the program materials and implementation processes, and collected preliminary data on the potential efficacy of the program to improve self management knowledge and practices among adults with asthma. The evaluation plan utilized a non-experimental design with six sites to recruit adults with asthma. Data was collected through standardized evaluation instruments. Measurements included self management knowledge and practices, attitudes, perceived self-efficacy, satisfaction, and program fidelity.

Data suggests that this program improved asthma knowledge and perceived self-efficacy for asthma management and improved the frequency of asthma self management practices. Participants were extremely satisfied with the program and reported few problems with the materials. Facilitators deemed the program to be feasible with minor adjustments.

The program was modified based on the evaluation results and the recommendations from an advisory group. The American Lung Association is proud to offer Breathe Well, Live Well: An Asthma Management Program for Adults in both English and Spanish to communities nationwide in the Fall of 2006.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• Describe the program and its components.
• Discuss the results of the program evaluation.
• Identify opportunities to implement the program in their communities.

Keywords: Asthma, Community Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered