LungtropolisTM: Where kids with asthma learn to play

Asthma is one of most common chronic disorders in children and the third leading cause of hospitalization among children. Asthma can be properly managed if the child and their caregiver(s) have the information they need and know what to do during an asthma episode. We conducted a randomized clinical trial to determine if children and parents who used Lungtropolis would have improved asthma self-management behaviors, knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes about managing their asthma. We assessed the child's asthma control pre- and post-intervention using the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT). The intervention group received access to the Lungtropolis website for 45 days and comparison group members were provided an educational booklet on asthma. Participants were asked to complete online assessments at pretest, 10-day and 45-day posttests. Children, aged 5-10, with physician-diagnosed asthma and prescribed asthma medication were enrolled along with a parent. 298 child-parent pairs had been enrolled in the evaluation trial. There were no significant differences between intervention and comparison participants on demographic or baseline study outcomes. Children who used the Lungtropolis game had significantly improved C-ACT scores at both 10-day and 45-day posttest compared to comparison group children. Children who used Lungtropolis also reported improvements in the appropriate use of quick-relief medication, better self-confidence in knowing their warning signs and had higher knowledge scores. The lack of differential results on parent measures suggests that the Lungtropolis Parents website and the print materials were equally sufficient to provide parents the information and confidence they need to manage their child's asthma.