A Randomized Controlled Behavioral Trial of a New Adult Asthma Self-management Program

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of the present research was to design and implement an adult asthma self-management program using a randomized control design.

Methods: A total of 24 participants served in the control group while 21 participants served in the intervention group. Those in the intervention group participated in 7 weekly meetings which consisted of interactive discussions, problem-solving, social support and a behavior modification procedure. The behavior modification procedure consisted of homework assignments in which participants were asked to self-monitor and record asthma specific behaviors (including peak expiratory flow, avoidance/removal of asthma triggers, and controller medication adherence) and general lifestyle behaviors (including drinking water, practicing relaxation, washing hands and exercising).

Results: A series of two factor mixed design analysis of variance computations indicated statistically significant interactions. When compared to participants in the control condition, those individuals who participated in the intervention had significant improvements in asthma self-efficacy, asthma quality of life, and patient activation. Significant interactions also indicated that those in the intervention groups had increases in the frequencies of the following self-reported behaviors: 1) reducing asthma triggers; 2), reading about asthma; 3) peak flow monitoring; 4) exercising, and; 5) hand washing. Follow-up data 2 months after the intervention indicated maintenance for many of the psychological, cognitive and behavioral changes.

Conclusions: These results confirm that our adult asthma selfmanagement program can lead to improvements in short term outcomes.

Keywords

asthma self-management asthma education environmental control

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