Table 2 Participant’s perceptions of the impact of asthma education on knowledge levels, symptom control and aspects of daily life
From: Task-shifting to improve asthma education for Malawian children: a qualitative analysis
Before asthma education intervention | After asthma education intervention |
|---|---|
Participants’ reports of asthma knowledge | |
No clear understanding of asthma, common triggers and inhaled medications Unable to identify asthma symptoms | Improved knowledge of asthma, common triggers and inhaled medications Greater understanding of what to do in an emergency Confidence to identify symptoms of asthma and manage appropriately |
Participants’ reports of asthma symptoms | |
Difficulties breathing at night, often interfering with sleep Frequent cough and wheeze Frequent visits to health facilities Frequent school absence | Families able to manage asthma symptoms more effectively Fewer attacks, school absence and hospital visits |
Interaction between asthma and family life | |
Disruption to sleep for whole family Stressful situations during deteriorating symptoms Staying home to care for child Removing child from school to allow closer monitoring | Greater control of asthma Knowledge of asthma triggers and self-management has reduced child’s symptoms and enabled parents to be more productive Improved asthma knowledge among wider family, including other asthmatic individuals |
Interaction between asthma and school life | |
Stigmatised by peers Lack of understanding among school community Belief that asthma is contagious | Children gaining support from peers through greater openness and understanding |
Interaction between asthma and the community | |
Negative attitudes towards inhaled treatment Belief in healing through traditional medicines and prayers | Parents keen to act as asthma advocates and share their new knowledge with the wider community |