Exploring youth and caregiver preferences for asthma education video content

Objective: This study examines (1) whether youth and their caregivers have different preferences for asthma education video topics and (2) if education topic preferences vary by youth and caregiver sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: Youth (n?=?83) ages 7–17 years with persistent asthma and their caregivers were recruited at two pediatric practices in North Carolina. Sociodemographic information and youth and caregiver preferences for nine asthma video education topics were collected during in-person interviews. Bonferroni-corrected Chi-square or McNemar tests (α?=?0.0056) were used to compare youth and caregivers differences in topic preferences and topic preferences by youth and caregiver sociodemographic characteristics, including gender, race, ethnicity, and age. Results: Youth were primarily male (52%) and from low-income families (74%; caregiver annual income less than $30 000) and many were Hispanic (45%). Youth and parents expressed the most interest in the following two topics: “how to deal with triggers” (90% and 95%, respectively) and “how to keep asthma under control” (87% and 96%, respectively). Caregivers and children were discordant for two topics: “the difference between a rescue and controller medicine” and “how to [help your child] talk to your [his/her] friends about asthma.” No differences were found between youth and caregiver sociodemographic characteristics and video topic preferences. Conclusions: Youth with persistent asthma and their caregivers differed in their asthma education topic preferences, but preferences did not vary by caregiver or youth sociodemographic characteristics. Studies examining the effectiveness of interventions tailored to differences in educational preferences of youth with asthma and their caregivers are needed.     

The relationship between caregivers' subjective social status and asthma symptoms and management for urban children

Objective: Subjective social status (SSS) is a person's perception of his/her social standing among others. We explored the relationship between caregivers' SSS and asthma symptoms, visits, and medication use among children with persistent asthma. Methods: We analyzed baseline data of children (3–10 years) from the SB-TEAM trial in Rochester, NY. Using a modified MacArthur Scale of SSS, caregivers rated themselves “a lot worse off” to “a lot better off” compared to 4 groups (e.g., neighbors). “Low SSS” was defined by a response of “a lot worse off” or “somewhat worse off” for any of the referent groups. Caregivers reported their child's asthma symptoms, healthcare visits for asthma, and medication use. Bivariate and multivariate statistics were used. Results: We found that, of the 230 children enrolled (participation rate:78%, 62% Black, 72% Medicaid), 29% of caregivers had low SSS. Caregivers with low SSS had more depressive symptoms (46% vs. 28%) and lower social support (69.1 vs. 77.7). In multivariable analyses, children of caregivers with low SSS had fewer symptom-free days/2 weeks (5.8 vs. 7.9, p = .01). While they were more likely to have a routine asthma visit in the past year (35% vs. 23%, adjusted p = .03), there was no difference in their use of preventive medication. Conclusions: Many caregivers of children with persistent asthma report low SSS. While children of these caregivers had fewer symptom-free days, they were not more likely to use preventive medications. Efforts are needed to support these caregivers to ensure optimal preventive care and reduce morbidity.     

A web-based educational video to improve asthma knowledge for limited English proficiency Latino caregivers

Objectives: To evaluate limited English proficiency (LEP) Latino caregiver asthma knowledge after exposure to an educational video designed for this target group. Methods: A cross-sectional, interventional study was performed. We aimed to evaluate the post-test impact on asthma knowledge from baseline after exposure to a patient-centered, evidence-based, and professionally produced Spanish asthma educational video. Participants included LEP Latino caregivers of children 2–12 years old with persistent asthma. Enrollment was performed during ED encounters or scheduled through a local community organization. Asthma knowledge was measured with a validated Spanish parental asthma knowledge questionnaire. Differences in mean scores were calculated with a paired t-test. Results: Twenty caregivers were enrolled. Participants included mothers (100%) from Puerto Rico (75%), with a high-school diploma or higher (85%), with no written asthma action plan (65%), whose child's asthma diagnosis was present for at least 3 years (80%). Mean baseline asthma knowledge scores improved 8 points from 58.4 to 66.4 after watching the educational video (95% CI 5.3–10.7; t(19) = 6.21, p < 0.01). Knowledge improvements were similar across the ED and community groups. Knowledge gains were observed in the areas of ED utilization, medication usage, and activity limitations. Conclusions: The developed educational video improved caregiver asthma knowledge for a Latino population facing communication barriers to quality asthma care. Dissemination of this educational resource to LEP caregivers has the potential to improve pediatric asthma care in the United States.     

Medication use,sleep, and caregiver smoking status among urban children with asthma

Objective: Children living in urban settings from low-income, minority families are at a high risk for experiencing asthma morbidity. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS, i.e., secondhand) exposure, typically from caregiver smoking, has been associated with increased quick-relief medication use and child nocturnal awakenings due to increased asthma symptoms as well as worse sleep quality in children with asthma. This study investigated the moderating role of caregiver smoking status on the association between quick-relief medication use and child's sleep quality in urban children with persistent asthma. Methods: Fifty-four urban children with persistent asthma and their primary caregivers completed a baseline research session. Caregivers then completed ecological momentary assessment surveys via smartphones twice daily for two weeks in which smoking behaviors, child quick-relief medication use, and child's sleep quality were assessed. Results: Twenty caregivers (37%) reported smoking at least one day across the two-week period. The caregiver smoking status significantly moderated the association between quick-relief medication use and child's sleep quality after controlling for child age and monthly household income. The caregiver smoking status exacerbated the association between quick-relief medication use and child's sleep quality, such that more medication usage was associated with worse sleep quality. Conclusions: Findings suggest that in urban families with a caregiver who smokes, more daily quick-relief medication use may put children at an increased risk for worse sleep quality. The effects of ETS exposure on child's sleep quality in addition to child asthma symptoms should be an integral part of discussions between pediatric healthcare providers and families of children with asthma.     

Child and Caregiver Involvement and Shared Decision-Making during Asthma Pediatric Visits

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine () the extent to which caregivers and children asked asthma management questions during pediatric asthma visits; () the extent to which providers engaged in shared decision-making with these caregivers and children; and () the factors associated with question asking and shared decision-making. Methods. Children aged 8–16 years with mild persistent asthma, moderate persistent asthma, or severe persistent asthma and their caregivers were recruited at five pediatric practices in non-urban areas of North Carolina. All of the medical visits were audio tape recorded. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the data. Results. Only 13% of children and 33% of caregivers asked one or more questions about asthma management. Caregivers were more likely to ask questions about their child’s medications. Providers obtained child input into their asthma management plan during only 6% of encounters and caregiver input into their child’s asthma management plan during 10% of visits. Conclusion. Given the importance of involving patients during healthcare visits, providers need to consider asking for and including child and caregiver inputs into asthma management plans so that shared decision-making can occur more frequently.     

Concordance among children,caregivers, and clinicians on barriers to controller medication use

Objective: While much research has addressed asthma medication adherence, few have combined quantitative and qualitative data, and none has addressed the triad of child, caregiver, and clinician simultaneously. This study assessed, with mixed methods, barriers to medication adherence within this triad. Methods: We conducted interviews with publicly-insured children with asthma, their caregivers, and their primary-care clinicians. Children (7–17 years) had been prescribed daily inhaled corticosteroids and visited the ED for asthma (past year). Participants answered open-ended and survey questions, rating suggested barriers to medication use (never vs. ever a barrier). McNemar's tests compared report of barriers by each group (children, caregivers, clinicians), and assessed concordance within triads. Results: Fifty child–caregiver dyads participated (34 clinicians). Children (40% female; median age 10 years) had mostly non-Hispanic black (90%) caregivers with less than or equal to high-school education (68%). For barriers, children and clinicians were more likely than caregivers to report medications running out. Clinicians were also more likely to cite controllers being a “pain to take” (vs. children) and forgetfulness (vs. caregivers) (all p < .05). There was a lack of within-triad concordance regarding barriers to adherence, especially regarding medication running out, worrying about taking a daily medication, and medication being a pain to take. Qualitative data revealed themes of competing priorities, home routines, and division of responsibility as prominent contributors to medication adherence. Conclusions: There was significant disagreement among children, caregivers, and clinicians regarding barriers to daily use of asthma medications. To tailor asthma management conversations, clinicians should understand family-specific barriers and child–caregiver disagreements.     

The Role of Caregivers' Depressive Symptoms and Asthma Beliefs on Asthma Outcomes Among Low-income Puerto Rican Children

Objective. To examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and asthma beliefs (self-efficacy and empowerment), child asthma outcomes, and caregiver's quality of life among Puerto Rican caregivers of children with asthma. Methods. The caregivers of 221 children with persistent bronchial asthma were stratified into those with no/low or high levels of depressive symptoms. Differences between the groups in caregiver self-efficacy, family empowerment, child asthma outcomes, and quality of life were examined. Results. Caregivers with more depressive symptoms reported lower self-efficacy, less empowerment, less symptom-free days and nights for their children, and a lower quality of life compared to caregivers with no or fewer depressive symptoms. Conclusions. Depressive symptoms among Puerto Rican caregivers were associated with asthma beliefs, children's asthma symptoms, and caregiver quality of life. Our findings reinforce the importance of physician screening skills in recognizing caregiver depression in parents of asthma patients.     

The impact of limited English proficiency on asthma action plan use

Objective: The goal of this study was to compare rates of asthma action plan use by limited English proficiency (LEP) caregivers to English proficient (EP) caregivers. Methods: A cross-sectional bilingual survey was distributed at an urban, academic, pediatric emergency department (PED). Surveys were completed by adult caregivers of children with asthma who sought PED care for asthma related chief complaints. LEP was defined as caregiver ability to speak English less than “very well”. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test and odds ratios (OR). Results: One hundred seven surveys were completed and analyzed. Fifty-one surveys (48%) were completed by LEP caregivers and 56 (52%) by EP caregivers. A 25% difference (p?=?.01) in action plan use rates between LEP caregivers (39%) and EP caregivers (64%) was observed. EP alone was associated with action plan use (OR 2.8 [95% CI 1.3–6.1]). Variables not associated with plan use included mother acting as caregiver (OR 2.1 [95% CI 0.7–7.0]), age of child >7 years (OR 1.0 [95% CI 0.5–2.4]), caregiver education?≥?associate degree (OR 1.4 [95% CI 0.6–3.0]), private insurance (OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.3–1.8]), White race (OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.2–2.2]), Latino ethnicity (OR 0.5 [95% CI 0.2–1.3]) and a federally qualified health center (OR 0.8 [95% CI 0.3–2.0]). The main caregiver reasons for plan use were feeling that a plan works/gets results, helps with symptom management and appreciation towards physician attentiveness when a plan is prescribed. The main caregiver reasons for non plan use were they were not informed/given an action plan or perceived the child’s asthma as mild/well controlled. Conclusion: Compared with EP caregivers, those with LEP experience disparate rates of asthma action plan use.     

Acculturation and quality of life in urban,African American caregivers of children with asthma

Objective: Racial/ethnic minority caregivers of children with asthma are at risk for low levels of quality of life (QOL). Limited research has identified factors that contribute to lower QOL among African American caregivers. This study examined associations between acculturation (e.g., engaging in values/beliefs traditional of one's culture versus adopting mainstream cultural views) and caregiver QOL in low-income, urban African American families of children (7–12 years) with persistent asthma. We also investigated the association between caregiver QOL and child emergency department (ED) use. Methods: Fifty-five caregivers and their children completed interview-based questionnaires in a single research session. Caregivers completed the Pediatric Asthma Caregiver Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ), the African American Acculturation Scale-Revised (AAAS-R), and reported on child asthma variables. Children completed items assessing asthma control. Results: Higher overall QOL and emotional function subscale scores were associated with more traditional African American religious beliefs/practices (r = .288, p = .033; r = .333, p = .013). Higher emotional function subscale scores were associated with more traditional values of African American families (r = .306, p = .023). Lower QOL was found among caregivers of children who had visited the ED three or more times in the last year. Conclusions: Less acculturation tied to religious beliefs/practices and family values (as measured by the AAAS-R) may serve a protective role in reducing the burden low-income, urban African American caregivers experience in managing child asthma. This study is the first of its kind to study acculturation in African American caregivers of children with asthma.     

Mexican-American caregivers’ perceptions about asthma management: a photovoice study

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report how photovoice was used to (1) ascertain Mexican-American caregiver perspectives about asthma management, and (2) engage caregivers in dissemination. Methods: Eleven Mexican-American caregivers of children with asthma were recruited and given cameras to photograph what helped or hindered their ability to care for their child. Participants prioritized which images to share, discussed the images with the group, and wrote accompanying titles and captions in four photovoice sessions. Sessions were in Spanish and occurred in a community setting. Participants presented their work to peers and community members. Identified issues were subsequently categorized by investigators according to the four components of asthma care. Results: Participants prioritized 32 phototexts, the majority of which (n?=?20, 63%) reflected activities associated with environmental control. Caregivers highlighted asthma triggers, and suggested ways to maintain indoor air quality (IAQ) through home cleaning. The need for policies that enforce smoking bans in shared housing and public places was identified as an important strategy to improve outdoor air quality. “Education for a Partnership in Asthma Care” was represented in six (19%) phototexts. Five phototexts (16%) represented “Assessment and Monitoring”. Only one phototext (3.13%) primarily represented “Medications”. Conclusions: Results support the need for active partnerships between caregivers and providers. Photographs can serve as the basis for reciprocal education between patient and provider, especially in the area of environmental triggers. Provider visits should include assessment, strategies and resources to maximize IAQ. Photovoice facilitates caregivers’ ability to advocate for improved asthma management and health equity.     

Caregiver knowledge and its relationship to asthma control among children in Saudi Arabia

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine caregiver responses to individual questions of the asthma knowledge questionnaire and to compare the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma among children according to caregiver responses (correct vs. incorrect). Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study among 158 children with asthma aged 4–11 who were attending the pediatric primary care clinic of the King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The asthma knowledge questionnaire for use with parents or guardians of children with asthma was used to measure the knowledge of caregivers. Asthma control in the children was measured using an Arabic version of the childhood asthma control test. Pearson’s chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma according to the caregivers’ responses. Results: This study showed substantial gaps in knowledge among caregivers of children with asthma. The answer to only one of 17 questions was well known (86.1%); this question involved the harm of smoking near a child with asthma. Answers on 11 of 17 questions were significantly (p?Conclusions: Although innovations are needed to help patients improve their adherence to treatment and to effectively utilize the benefits of contemporary asthma medications, we observe substantial knowledge-related problems in the asthma management of children in Saudi Arabia.     

Children with asthma and their caregivers help improve written asthma action plans: A pilot mixed-method study

Objective: The objectives of this study were to (a) qualitatively examine caregiver and child feedback about a gold standard written asthma action plan (WAAP), and (b) determine whether having an asthma action plan was associated with child and caregiver self-efficacy in managing an exacerbation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of structured interviews with 22 children with persistent asthma that collected feedback about the WAAP as well as self-efficacy. An analysis of interviews used the constant comparative method to identify themes of child and caregiver statements. Caregivers completed a questionnaire that measured asthma management self-efficacy, barriers to managing asthma, and belief in the treatment efficacy using validated scales. Results: Approximately 36% of the caregivers reported having a WAAP for their child from their child's pediatrician. Most caregivers stated that having pictures would improve the WAAP, while most children stated that the layout needed to be improved by adding more space between the sections. Caregivers who reported knowing what the asthma action plan was had greater self-efficacy than caregivers who did not (z = ?1.99, p = 0.047). Conclusions: Re-designing the current WAAP layout and including pictures of inhalers may promote patient understanding. Future research needs to examine if a re-designed WAAP improves asthma management of children with asthma and their caregivers.     

Effective education parameters for trigger remediation in underserved children with asthma: A systematic review

Objectives: The prevalence of asthma is highest in minority children living in urban areas. Pediatric asthma research has focused on self-management education and trigger remediation using a multi-trigger, multi-component educational intervention approach. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify common educational parameters of these proposed interventions. The review also sought to identify which clinical outcomes improved with multi-trigger, multi-component educational interventions. Data Sources: PubMed, SCOPUS and ProQuest Dissertations were searched between 2000 to 2014 using the following terms: asthma; urban population or poverty area; environmental remediation; health education; allergens or dust mites or cockroaches or mold or mice or rats. Study Selections: Studies were included if they met the following criteria: 1) participants were minority children identified as underserved; 2) there was a multi-trigger and multi-component intervention; 3) asthma severity was classified as persistent; and 4) asthma control was classified as not well controlled. Results: A total of 531 articles were retrieved of which 17 met the inclusion criteria. The interventions lacked consistency in their explanation. Most studies were vague in reporting pedagogical methods and educational content. Few studies reported a theoretical framework to guide their approach. Over half the studies did not report a learning assessment nor health literacy of the caregiver or the child with asthma. Yet all of the findings demonstrated statistically significant results in some or all of their primary outcomes. Conclusion: Overall, the research lacked clarity in the approach to impact asthma outcomes and reduces the opportunity to substantiate the findings through replication.     

A primary care-based asthma program improves recognition and treatment of persistent asthma in inner-city children compared to routine care

Objective: To examine whether a primary care-based asthma program that applies the Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR-3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma-2007 criteria to classify asthma severity increases detection of persistent asthma in inner-city children and affects “step of care” compared to routine care. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 97 consecutive children referred to the asthma program from 2011–2013. Asthma severity documented during routine health care maintenance visits was compared to the asthma severity assessed during the asthma program visit using five standardized questions and spirometry. Medication plan “step of care” was compared pre- and post- the asthma program visit. Results: 79 children, ages 5–19 years old (mean = 9.6), had spirometry tracings meeting American Thoracic Society criteria and were included in this study. 53% were male. The majority of children were Latino (45.6%) or African American (35.4%). At the asthma program visit, more children were identified with moderate or severe persistent asthma based upon clinical questions (47.9%), spirometry (56.9%) or combined criteria (75.3%) than had been identified during routine care (15.2%); all p < .05. After the asthma program visit, more children were prescribed controller medications (82.3% vs 63.3%; p < .05) and 40.6% had their medication plan stepped up. Conclusions: In this population of inner-city children, asthma severity was under-recognized and undertreated during routine care. A primary care based asthma program, which formalized applying EPR-3 criteria, increased detection of persistent asthma and led to “step-ups” in treatment plans.     

Factors associated with adolescent and caregiver reported problems in using asthma medications

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to: (a) describe the types of medication problems/concerns youth with asthma and their caregivers reported and (b) examine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and youth and caregiver reported medication problems/concerns. Methods: English- and Spanish-speaking youth ages 11–17 with persistent asthma were recruited at four pediatric clinics. Youth were interviewed and caregivers completed questionnaires about reported asthma medication concerns/problems. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Results: Three hundred and fifty-nine youth were recruited. Eighty percent of youth and 70% of caregivers reported one or more problems in using asthma medications. The most commonly reported problems by youth were: (a) hard to remember when to take the asthma medication (54%) and (b) hard to use asthma medication at school (34%). Younger children were significantly more likely to report difficulty in understanding their asthma medication's directions and difficulty reading the print on the medication's package. Caregivers’ top-reported problem was that it is hard for their child to remember to take their asthma medications (49%). Caregivers without Medicaid were significantly more likely to express difficulty paying for their child's asthma medications. Conclusions: Difficulty remembering to take asthma medication was a significant problem for youth and their caregivers. Providers should work with youth and their caregivers to identify asthma medication problems and discuss strategies to address those problems.     

Evaluation of inhaler technique,adherence to therapy and their effect on disease control among children with asthma using metered dose or dry powder inhalers

Objective: To address the problems about correct use of inhaler devices, adherence to inhaler corticosteroid treatment and the effects of these problems on the control of asthma. Methods: Children with asthma were evaluated for the correct use of inhaler devices and adherence to therapy using a questionnaire. Effect of these on control of asthma was defined. Results: A hundred and seventy-one patients and/or their families were interviewed. The mean age was 8.29?±?4.65 years (1–19) and 62.6% were male. Metered dose inhaler (MDI) with spacer was used by 119 (69.5%) patients and 52 (30.5%) used dry powder inhalers (DPIs). The devices were used correctly by 68.1% of patients using MDI and 34.6% of patients using DPI (p?<?0.001). The most common improper step was “breathe in from the spacer 5–6 times or 10?s” for MDI (24.4%) and “exhale to residual volume” for DPI (51.9%). Frequency of correct use was higher in patients trained 3 times (p?<?0.001). Asthma was controlled more frequently among correct users (p?<?0.001). Partial or poor adherence was showed 22.8% of patients. Patients with mothers who had lower educational status had higher frequency of incorrect use of inhaler device (p?=?0.007). Conclusion: It was found that asthma control was better among correct users. Repetitive training about using devices may contribute improving inhaler technique. Especially children whose mothers had low education level and patients using DPI should be evaluated more carefully.     

Are children with asthma overconfident that they are using their inhalers correctly?

Objective: The objectives of this study were to quantify the extent to which children with asthma are overconfident that they are using their inhalers correctly and determine whether demographic and clinical characteristics are associated with children being overconfident. Methods: Children (n?=?91) ages 7–17 with persistent asthma were recruited at two pediatric practices in North Carolina and demonstrated their inhaler technique for metered dose inhalers during an office visit. Children were dichotomized into two groups based on how confident they were that they were using their inhalers correctly: “completely confident” or “not completely confident”. The mean number of inhaler steps (out of 8) children performed incorrectly was examined. We applied linear regression models for children in the “completely confident” group to determine whether demographic and clinical factors predicted their overconfidence, defined as the number of inhaler steps performed incorrectly. Results: Children were primarily male (56%) and non-Hispanic White (60%). Sixty-eight (75%) children were “completely confident” that they were using their inhalers correctly. The “completely confident” group missed an average of 1.5 steps. In the “completely confident” group, males (p?<?0.04) missed significantly more steps than females. The two most common errors were forgetting to shake the inhaler and holding their breath for 10?s. Conclusion: Regardless of their confidence level, children in our sample missed an average of 1–2 steps on an inhaler technique assessment. Findings from this study provide new evidence that it is insufficient to ask children if they are using their inhalers correctly. Therefore, it is vital that providers ask children to demonstrate their inhaler technique during health encounters.     

Single parent households and increased child asthma morbidity

Objectives: To characterize whether single parent households are associated with pediatric asthma-related repeat healthcare utilization and to examine family-level psychosocial variables that may explain this relationship. Methods: We analyzed a prospective cohort of 526 children aged 1–16 years hospitalized for asthma or bronchodilator-responsive wheezing whose caregivers self-reported their marital status. Those reporting being “single” were considered the at-risk category. The outcome was repeat asthma-related utilization (emergency room (ER) revisit or hospital readmission) within 12 months. We assessed, a priori, four psychosocial variables (household income, caregiver risk of psychological distress, ratio of in-home children to adults, and regular attendance at childcare or a secondary home). Results: Among all children enrolled in the cohort, 40% returned to the ER or hospital for asthma within 12 months. Of all caregivers, 59% self-identified as single. Single status was significantly associated with each psychosocial variable. Children in households with lower incomes and higher ratios of children to adults were both more likely to return to the ER or hospital than children with higher incomes and lower ratios, respectively (each p?p?Conclusions: Children admitted for asthma from single parent households were more likely to have asthma-related reutilization within 12 months than children from homes with married parents. This was driven, in large part, by underlying differences in household income.