Design and evaluate a parental education program for managing childhood asthma

Thesis Abstract

Childhood asthma remains a significant public health concern, contributing substantially to pediatric morbidity and healthcare utilization worldwide. Despite advances in medical management, many children continue to experience poor asthma control primarily due to inadequate caregiver knowledge and suboptimal management practices. This study aims to design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive parental education program tailored to improve management of childhood asthma, thereby reducing emergency visits, hospitalizations, and improving quality of life. The specific objectives include assessing baseline parental knowledge and practices regarding asthma management, developing an evidence-based educational intervention aligned with the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory, and evaluating the program’s effectiveness through measurable outcomes. A quasi-experimental research design with a mixed-methods approach was employed, involving an intervention and a control group. The study population comprised 200 parents of children aged 3 to 12 years diagnosed with asthma, recruited from pediatric outpatient clinics in urban health facilities. Participants were purposively sampled and randomly assigned to intervention (n=100) and control groups (n=100). Data collection involved structured questionnaires to measure parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to asthma management, alongside qualitative in-depth interviews to explore contextual factors influencing adherence. The reliability of quantitative instruments was established through Cronbach’s alpha (?=0.85), and content validity was confirmed through expert review. The intervention consisted of a culturally adapted, multi-session parental education program delivered over four weeks, incorporating demonstrations, printed materials, and interactive discussions. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics to characterize baseline variables, followed by paired t-tests and ANCOVA to compare changes within and between groups post-intervention. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data to elucidate perceptions, barriers, and facilitators of asthma management. Additionally, multiple regression analysis identified predictors of improved management behaviors. Preliminary findings are anticipated to demonstrate a statistically significant increase in parental knowledge and positive management practices in the intervention group compared to controls. It is expected that improved self-efficacy, as measured by social cognitive domains, will correlate with better adherence to medication schedules and recognized symptom management protocols. The study’s integrated analysis aims to reveal key behavioral, socio-economic, and environmental determinants influencing effective asthma care at home. This research contributes novel insights into the development and systematic evaluation of parental education initiatives rooted in behavioral change theories within a pediatric asthma context. It bridges a critical gap in culturally tailored, evidence-based interventions that address caregiver barriers to effective asthma management. The study’s findings will inform health policy and clinical practice by emphasizing the significance of community-based, family-centered educational strategies in chronic disease control amongst children. Concluding, the study underscores the transformative potential of targeted parental education in optimizing childhood asthma outcomes. It recommends the integration of structured educational programs into routine pediatric care, enhanced by ongoing community engagement and support systems. Future research directions include longitudinal studies to assess sustained behavioral change and health outcomes, as well as adaptation of the program across diverse socio-cultural settings. Overall, the findings advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to pediatric asthma management, integrating behavioral science and health education as pivotal components of comprehensive care.