The Effect of Education-Modified of Asthma Stimulants on Attitude of the Adolescents with Asthma in Respiratory Specialty Clinics of Tabriz, North West of Iran

Background: Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood and adolescents worldwide that can result in variable restriction in the physical, emotional and social aspects of the patient’s life.The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of asthma stimulants modifying education program on the attitude of adolescents with asthma. Materials and Methods: This study was based on pretest-posttest control group design. A sample of 60 adolescents from 12 to 18 years of age participated in the study. Groups were assigned randomly to intervention and control groups. Measurement of child’s attitude toward illness scale (Austin and Huberty,1993) was collected prior to intervention and five weeks post intervention in both groups. The intervention group received the asthma stimulants education program and followed up by telephone. Data Analysis was conducted with SPSS 13.0. Descriptive analysis (i.e. Chi-square and t-tests) were used. Results: The difference in scores of pre and post changes of the child’s attitude toward illness between the two groups showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The changes resulted from the education-modification intervention of asthma triggers, was significant (P˂0.001), and the mean difference of changes in the two groups was 1.87. Conclusion: This type of educational intervention to adjust stimulants has the potential to improve the attitude toward illness in adolescents with asthma. Promoted attitude by educating adolescents about modifying asthma triggers can empower them to control the disease and reduce the participation of parents.