Working towards the improvement of asthma outcomes in schools using a curriculum implemented by respiratory therapy students

Background: Asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses in the United States. It causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was twofold: a) to evaluate the impact of a single session of an asthma curriculum on knowledge attained among elementary and middle school students enrolled in grades K through 8, and 2) to assess the collaborative partnership with a Respiratory Therapy (RT) program that has provided asthma program sustainability since 2010.

Methodology: This non-randomized longitudinal study aimed to assess the impact of a single asthma session on asthma knowledge attained among elementary and middle school students enrolled in grades K through 8. RT students thought the asthma curriculum.

Findings/Results: The Asthma curriculum was offered to 153 students from 11 schools (9 elementary and 2 middle schools).We observed significant differences in the mean scores of the pre- and post-tests administered to children who participated in this project. After training, the mean score increased from 5.23 (n=133; SD=1.81; pre-test) to 5.83 (n=133; SD=2.24; post-test). The post-test mean score was significantly higher than that of the pre-test (df=132; P<.001; 2-tailed). In addition, 86.2-96.5% of the RT students believe that the use of posters, booklets, training exercises, and role-playing helped them establish rapport with the students.

Conclusions/Recommendations: This study suggests that one 60 minute asthma educational session can result in improved knowledge and behavior change for the well-being of students with asthma.