EFFECTS OF A SHORTENED ASTHMA SELF-MANAGEMENT GROUP PROGRAM

Objective Asthma self-management programs are effective but often time-consuming. We evaluated the effects of a shortened asthma self-management program on asthma knowledge, morbidity and asthma-related behaviour in a group of moderate to severe adult asthmatics. Methods The effects of the program were evaluated with a one year prospective trial in a group of 55 asthmatics (mean age 45 yrs, 42% males, N=26 in intervention group, N=29 in control group) by administering questionnaires and diary exercises at baseline, immediately, 3 and 12 months after the end of the program. Results Asthma-related knowledge and hyperventilation symptoms improved more in the intervention than in the control group and this effect was maintained until 3 months after participation. General asthma symptoms improved significantly, but substantial symptom improvements were also found in the control group. The original effects in the intervention group persisted partly but not significantly 1 year after participation. No significant effects were found on pulmonary function. Conclusions Based on our preliminary results, we conclude that our shortened asthma self-management program had an impact on knowledge and asthma symptoms, especially hyperventilation symptoms, until 3 months after the end of the program. Continuous reinforcement and specifying the program content are essential aspects to obtain more robust and long-lasting effects when administering shortened asthma self-management programs.