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R. M. Salih M, Y. Abd A, Adnan Fawzi H. Awareness of asthma and its management in primary school teachers in Baghdad, Iraq. F1000Res 2022; 11:367. [PMID: 35811798 PMCID: PMC9218586 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.73495.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Asthma is a major global health issue characterized by chronic airway inflammation. It is linked to a high disease burden and disproportionately high healthcare utilization in severe, uncontrolled cases compared to non-severe asthma. We aimed to conduct this survey among primary school teachers in Baghdad, Iraq, to assess their level of knowledge about asthma and confidence in managing school children with asthma. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Baghdad. The study adopted a questionnaire for assessing the asthma knowledge and confidence scores regarding the management of asthmatic children. This questionnaire contained 29-multiple true-false questions based on different aspects, including facts about asthma and the management of asthma by teachers. The questionnaire for testing teachers’ knowledge of asthma and confidence scores regarding the management of asthmatic children was distributed to 150 teachers. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 103 teachers.. Approximately 71% of teachers answered the question ‘What are the three main symptoms of asthma?’ correctly i.e., answering either one symptom (35.9%) or two symptoms (35.9%) correctly. A relatively smaller number of teachers (16.5%) mentioned all three symptoms correctly. Across the 29-multiple true-false questions, more than 75% of teachers answered 11 questions correctly, 50-74% of teachers answered the rest of eight questions appropriately, and <50% of teachers answered the remaining 10 questions properly. The statistical evaluation indicated that the mean total knowledge score about asthma for all the teachers was 20.27 ± 2.97 and the mean total confidence score regarding the management of asthmatic children was 72.44 ± 13.61. Conclusions: This study suggests that teachers from the schools in Baghdad appear to be self-confident in their ability and knowledge to help and manage children with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arwa Y. Abd
- Department of Pharmacy, Al Rasheed University College, Baghdad, Iraq
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R. M. Salih M, Y. Abd A, Adnan Fawzi H. Awareness of asthma and its management in primary school teachers in Baghdad, Iraq. F1000Res 2022; 11:367. [PMID: 35811798 PMCID: PMC9218586 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.73495.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Asthma is a major global health issue characterized by chronic airway inflammation. It is linked to a high disease burden and disproportionately high healthcare utilization in severe, uncontrolled cases compared to non-severe asthma. We aimed to conduct this survey among primary school teachers in Baghdad, Iraq, to assess their level of knowledge about asthma and confidence in managing school children with asthma. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Baghdad. The study adopted a questionnaire for assessing the asthma knowledge and confidence scores regarding the management of asthmatic children. This questionnaire contained 29-multiple true-false questions based on different aspects, including facts about asthma and the management of asthma by teachers. The questionnaire for testing teachers' knowledge of asthma and confidence scores regarding the management of asthmatic children was distributed to 150 teachers. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 103 teachers.. Approximately 71% of teachers answered the question 'What are the three main symptoms of asthma?' correctly i.e., answering either one symptom (35.9%) or two symptoms (35.9%) correctly. A relatively smaller number of teachers (16.5%) mentioned all three symptoms correctly. Across the 29-multiple true-false questions, more than 75% of teachers answered 11 questions correctly, 50-74% of teachers answered the rest of eight questions appropriately, and <50% of teachers answered the remaining 10 questions properly. The statistical evaluation indicated that the mean total knowledge score about asthma for all the teachers was 20.27 ± 2.97 and the mean total confidence score regarding the management of asthmatic children was 72.44 ± 13.61. Conclusions: This study suggests that teachers from the schools in Baghdad appear to be self-confident in their ability and knowledge to help and manage children with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arwa Y. Abd
- Department of Pharmacy, Al Rasheed University College, Baghdad, Iraq
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Alkhamis ZN, Hashim SA. Awareness of asthma and its management in primary school teachers in Eastern Province. J Family Med Prim Care 2019; 8:1908-1913. [PMID: 31334154 PMCID: PMC6618238 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_358_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory disease affecting young children. It is estimated that 14% of the world's children have had asthmatic symptoms, according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Schools represent "home" for most children as they spend about a third of their waking hours in school each weekday. Also, schools are significant sources of exposure to asthma-triggering allergens. Therefore, school personnel, including teachers, face all the issues of asthma management that the family meets at home. The aim of this study is to assess the levels of knowledge about asthma and its management among primary school teachers in Eastern Province; Saudi Arabia. Methods 396 primary school teachers answered an electronic questionnaire about asthma. This questionnaire contained different questions which assessed teacher's knowledge about symptoms of asthma, and its management. Also, the survey can determine the teacher's attitude and practice regarding asthmatic students. Results Overall, 59.6% of teachers had a high level of asthma knowledge as they were able to answer ≥75% of the knowledge questions correctly. Teachers' level of asthma knowledge was not significantly associated with age, but significantly associated with years of teaching experience, educational level and contact with an asthmatic individual. Most of the respondents were at a high level of awareness concerning asthma symptoms, triggering and treatment (73.2%, 60.9%, 60.7%), respectively, while only 19.4% had high knowledge level about sport and asthma. Conclusions The primary school teachers are not well informed about asthma and its management. Future educational efforts should seek to provide teachers with accurate information about asthma with particular concern for sport and asthma. This will have a significant impact on the management of this chronic respiratory disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Nizar Alkhamis
- Family Medicine Resident, Family Medicine Academy, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Alawi Hashim
- Family Medicine Resident, Family Medicine Academy, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
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Luckie K, Saini B, Soo YY, Kritikos V, Collins JC, Moles RJ. Impact of scenario based training on asthma first aid knowledge and skills in school staff: an open label, three-arm, parallel-group repeated measures study. J Asthma 2018; 56:973-984. [PMID: 30307347 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2018.1508471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To test the hypothesis that scenario-based skills training is more effective than knowledge training alone in improving the asthma first aid skills of school personnel. Education developed specifically for non-primary caregivers such as school staff is vital to minimize the risk of mortality associated with asthma. Methods: Schools were allocated to one of three arms to compare AFA knowledge and AFA skills. Arm 1 underwent conventional asthma training, arm 2 underwent scenario-based training and arm 3 had a combination of the two. Conventional asthma training involved a didactic oral presentation. The scenario-based skills training required the participant to describe and demonstrate how they would manage a child having a severe exacerbation of asthma using equipment provided. Follow-up occurred at 3 weeks post baseline and again between 3-7 months after the first training/education visit. Results: Nineteen primary schools (204 participants) were recruited. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni Post-Hoc Tests showed there was a significant difference in AFA skills scores between the study arms who underwent scenario-based training; arms 2 and 3 (91.5% and 91.1%) and arm 1 who underwent conventional asthma training (77.3%) (p < 0.001). AFA knowledge improved significantly in all study arms with no differences between study arms. Improvements seen in both AFA knowledge and AFA skills were maintained over time. Conclusions: Scenario-based training was superior to conventional didactic asthma training for AFA skills acquisition and overall competency in the administration of AFA and should be included in future asthma training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Luckie
- a Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Bandana Saini
- a Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Yien Yien Soo
- a Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.,b National Prescribing Service , Sydney , Australia
| | - Vicky Kritikos
- a Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.,c Woolcock Institute of Medical Research , Glebe , Australia
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Luckie K, Pang TC, Kritikos V, Saini B, Moles RJ. Systematic review and content analysis of asthma knowledge questionnaires: A focus on the knowledge surrounding acute exacerbation management. J Asthma 2017; 55:615-628. [PMID: 28759285 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2017.1355380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Asthma education is a key component of asthma management. Asthma education around the management of a person who is having an acute exacerbation of asthma (often referred to as asthma first aid (AFA) training) is important, particularly in a school setting. There is no gold standard assessment of asthma knowledge and also there is no specific tool to measure the knowledge of AFA. Our aim was to identify asthma knowledge questionnaires and perform a content analysis. We were interested in evaluating the number, the type and the format of AFA questions. METHOD A literature search was performed to identify the instruments which were able to assess asthma knowledge of people with asthma and/or caregivers of people with asthma. An electronic database search was performed in EMBASE, IPA, MEDLINE and PUBMED. Articles which described the development or psychometric testing of an asthma knowledge questionnaire were included. The content of questions in each instrument was analysed and categorised using the NVivo software, and a secondary analysis was performed to identify knowledge questions relevant to the management of an acute asthma exacerbation. RESULTS Forty-four papers with 37 different instruments met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the instruments contained a relatively low proportion of questions related to the management of acute asthma, i.e., only 162 of the 780 questions (21%). No questionnaire had sufficient specific emphasis on acute asthma management knowledge to test the impact of AFA training. CONCLUSION There is a scope to develop an up-to-date validated acute asthma management knowledge questionnaire for use in research and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Luckie
- a Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Sydney , Sydney , NSW , Australia
| | - Tsz Chun Pang
- a Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Sydney , Sydney , NSW , Australia.,b Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK
| | - Vicky Kritikos
- a Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Sydney , Sydney , NSW , Australia.,c Woolcock Institute of Medical Research , Sydney , NSW , Australia
| | - Bandana Saini
- a Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Sydney , Sydney , NSW , Australia
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Govender D, Gray A. Knowledge of primary school teachers about asthma: a cross-sectional survey in the Umdoni sub-district, KwaZulu-Natal. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/20786204.2012.10874247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- D Govender
- Physiotherapy Department, GJ Crookes Hospital, Ugu North, KwaZulu-Natal
| | - A Gray
- Department of Therapeutics and Medicines Management, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal
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Akcay A, Tamay Z, Ones U, Guler N. What do child daycare center teachers know about atopic dermatitis? Pediatr Dermatol 2014; 31:54-8. [PMID: 23937285 DOI: 10.1111/pde.12139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common childhood inflammatory skin disorder. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the knowledge level of daycare center teachers about AD and related factors. Study subjects were 297 teachers (287 female, 10 male) from 20 randomly selected daycare centers in Istanbul. The knowledge level of teachers was assessed using a questionnaire with 21 questions about AD. The teachers were asked nine additional questions about demographic and other characteristics of the child care centers and about themselves. The mean age of the teachers was 26.4 ± 8.1 years (range 20-53 yrs). The mean score for the 21 questions was 71.4 ± 12.1 (68%) from a maximum of 105 points. The response rate of teachers rate for each question ranged from 54% to 90%. The completely true response rate for each question ranged from 3.0% to 66.7%. The knowledge level of the teachers was related to the number of children in the daycare center, but not to sex, age, education level, family history of atopy, teacher's monthly salary, location, or whether the daycare center was public or private. Although teachers in daycare centers have some knowledge about AD, widespread educational programs for teachers about AD may help to improve the understanding of the disease and the quality of life of affected children in daycare centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Akcay
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Department of Pediatrics, Liv Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Razi CH, Bakırtaş A, Demirsoy S. Knowledge and attitudes of adolescents towards asthma: questionnaire results before and after a school-based education program. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2011; 156:81-9. [PMID: 21447963 DOI: 10.1159/000322251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2009] [Accepted: 10/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies on school-based education programs have reported that asthmatic and nonasthmatic adolescents, teachers and school personnel do not have enough information on asthma. However, the number of education programs including adolescents without asthma is not sufficient. The aim of the present study was to determine the knowledge of school children about asthma and to investigate whether their knowledge of asthma can be increased by an education program through a booklet distributed as a handout. METHODS This cross-sectional prospective questionnaire survey was carried out in a private school in Ankara, Turkey, between February and April 2006. 720 adolescents in grades 6, 7 and 8 were included. Knowledge about asthma was evaluated by a scoring system before and after the education offered by means of a booklet. RESULTS The final analysis was conducted on 642 students in total. The number of right answers in 5 categories, percentage of right answers and total questionnaire score improved significantly after the education received (p < 0.001). The total questionnaire scores of the girls (p = 0.002), those students with a university graduate mother (p = 0.006) and those with a physician parent (p = 0.041) were higher than those of the other pupils. CONCLUSION Theoretical material in the form of a booklet can be used in a school-based asthma education program in order to improve the knowledge of adolescents about asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cem Hasan Razi
- Department of Pediatric Allergy, Kecioren Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. cemrazi2 @ gmail.com
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Sandsund M, Thomassen M, Reinertsen RE, Steinshamn S. Exercise-induced asthma in adolescents: challenges for physical education teachers. Chron Respir Dis 2011; 8:171-9. [PMID: 21436221 DOI: 10.1177/1479972310397676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is the most common chronic medical condition that school-teachers are likely to encounter among their pupils. This study aimed to identify the needs of physical education teachers in dealing with adolescents with exercise-induced asthma, study their self-reported knowledge of asthma and identify future topics for education about exercise-induced asthma. A questionnaire was drawn up on the basis of the requirements that had emerged in the course of interviews with 18 physical education teachers. One hundred and six physical education teachers at secondary schools in the city of Trondheim and colleges in Sør-Trøndelag County in Norway answered the questionnaire (65% response rate). Eighty-two physical education teachers (78.1%) had pupils with asthma in their sports classes, and 89.4% answered positively regarding their need for advice on teaching pupils with asthma. Twenty-seven (25.9%) reported that they had sufficient knowledge to teach adolescents with asthma. Topics about asthma, its management and activities suitable for asthmatics were given high priority by the teachers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sandsund
- Department of Health Research, SINTEF Technology and Society, Trondheim, Norway.
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van Gent R, van Essen-Zandvliet EEM, Klijn P, Brackel HJL, Kimpen JLL, van Der Ent CK. Participation in daily life of children with asthma. J Asthma 2008; 45:807-13. [PMID: 18972300 DOI: 10.1080/02770900802311477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Asthma can have a negative effect on psychological and social well-being in childhood. Sports participation, school attendance, and quality of life are important issues for children with asthma and their parents. However, a structural evaluation of these factors is not always incorporated in the routine medical approach of children with asthma. Moreover, goals in asthma treatment, such as minimal symptoms and normal activity levels, are achieved in a minority of children. This review describes determinants that are important for the well-being of children with asthma and their parents. Besides the control of symptoms, factors such as sports participation, socializing in peer groups, school attendance, and quality of life must be considered. These issues are relevant when evaluating the management of children and adolescents with asthma. A multidisciplinary evaluation by a pediatrician, school nurse, gym teacher, and psychologist might contribute to an important decrease in the impact of asthma on daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- R van Gent
- Department of Paediatrics, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands.
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Cobos N, Picado C. [Pilot study on knowledge about asthma and its treatment among Spanish teachers]. Med Clin (Barc) 2001; 117:452-3. [PMID: 11674970 DOI: 10.1016/s0025-7753(01)72142-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This was a study aimed to know the knowledge about asthma. SUBJECTS AND METHOD 933 teachers of 27 schools from 7 cities (children aged between 4 and 15 years) using a self-administered questionnaire Half of them knew asthma prevalence and its hereditary nature. Nearly all related asthma with allergy, 38% with exercise, 25%had students who suffered from asthma attacks in the school, and 91% admitted to have limited information and wish to improve it. CONCLUSION Our survey reveals that Spanish teachers have a limited information about asthma.
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Bell HM, McElnay JC, Hughes CM, Gleadhill I. Primary schoolteachers' knowledge of asthma: the impact of pharmacist intervention. J Asthma 2001; 37:545-55. [PMID: 11059521 DOI: 10.3109/02770900009090809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The Newcastle Asthma Knowledge questionnaire was used to determine primary schoolteachers' knowledge of asthma. The mean score achieved (20.71 +/- 3.20), was representative of a reasonable degree of knowledge. However, knowledge of symptoms associated with asthma and of medications used to manage the condition was poor. Teachers who had contact with an asthmatic individual or who had received previous training on asthma had a significantly greater knowledge of asthma. An asthma training session, delivered by a pharmacist, was found to significantly improve primary schoolteachers' knowledge of the condition, however, the extent of the improvement was low.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Bell
- Pharmacy Practice Research Group, School of Pharmacy, The Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Hussey J, Cahill A, Henry D, King AM, Gormley J. National school teachers' knowledge of asthma and its management. Ir J Med Sci 1999; 168:174-9. [PMID: 10540783 DOI: 10.1007/bf02945848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is the most common chronic medical condition that school teachers may encounter among their pupils. However management of asthma in schools and the role school teachers adopt in this condition has only recently been explored. The aim of this study was to determine teachers' knowledge of asthma and its management. A postal questionnaire was circulated to 199 school teachers from 46 schools in Dublin City. A 74 per cent response rate was obtained. The number of children with asthma as identified by teachers was 7.8 per cent which suggests that asthma may be unrecognised in a number of pupils. Knowledge on signs and symptoms of asthma, provoking factors of asthma and the nature of the disease was generally satisfactory. However, knowledge on asthma medications, the purpose of inhalers and teachers' understanding of the treatment and management of asthma was considered poor. Knowledge on exercise-induced asthma was limited. There is a need to provide school teachers with education on asthma and its management. School policies on asthma also need to be developed with particular reference to action necessary in the event of an acute severe attack of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hussey
- School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Dublin, Trinity College
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French DJ, Carroll A. Western Australian primary school teachers' knowledge about childhood asthma and its management. J Asthma 1998; 34:469-75. [PMID: 9428292 DOI: 10.3109/02770909709055390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A total of 164 primary school teachers from Perth, Western Australia anonymously completed a survey of their knowledge and attitudes about asthma. These teachers were active in assisting children with asthma management but most (91.5%) felt that they did not know enough about asthma. Attitudes toward children with asthma were positive; 97% agreed that such children should be encouraged to participate in sporting activities. Specific knowledge about asthma management and medications was, however, poor. This large sample of Western Australian teachers knew more than their European counterparts but asthma training is needed and should be targeted at improving knowledge of both regular and emergency treatments for asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J French
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether information about asthma acquired by individual teachers, following attendance at an inservice seminar, would be communicated to other school staff, and whether policies about asthma management would be subsequently developed in schools. METHODOLOGY A telephone interview was conducted of 50 primary school teachers in the Hunter Region who were selected randomly from those who had represented their school at an inservice seminar about asthma. RESULTS All 48 respondents had provided feedback to their colleagues, mostly at a staff meeting. After the seminar the number of schools with a written policy about the management of asthma had increased from 1 to 20. Initially the school's first aid kits contained a bronchodilator inhaler in 25 schools (increasing to 43 after the seminar), a spacer device in six schools (increasing to 47) and written guidelines for management of an asthma attack in seven schools (increasing to 32). Teachers from four schools indicated that all school staff knew how to recognize an acute attack prior to the seminar compared with 22 schools afterwards. Before the seminar 18 schools asked parents to supply written instructions for the management of their children at school but this increased to 44 after the seminar. CONCLUSIONS A programme of one-off seminars attended by one teacher from each primary school resulted in large increases in the proportion of schools with appropriate policies for the management of asthma in the school environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hazell
- Discipline of Paediatrics, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Abstract
Teachers and support staff are often called upon to manage asthma at school but may have little knowledge and understanding of the condition. The aim of this study was to determine whether a short seminar would improve knowledge in non-health professionals. Seventy school staff attended one of five 2 h seminars presented by an asthma educator. Participants completed the Newcastle Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire (AKQ) before, and 2 months after, the seminar. The mean initial score (maximum possible 31) was 16.4 (range 4-26), increasing to 23 (range 13-29, P = 0.0001). There was a large increase in knowledge about symptoms, pathophysiology, preventive medications and side effects of medications. Initially almost all of the participants had deficiencies in knowledge about reliever medications and the management of exercise-induced asthma. After the seminar, knowledge in these areas was still poor, with only one-third of the participants answering them correctly. The results have been used to modify the content of the 2 h seminar with increased emphasis on those areas in which deficiencies in knowledge were demonstrated. No data are available yet as to whether this improved knowledge has improved management.
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