Effect of education and controlling asthma triggers on quality of life among adolescents with asthma: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background and purpose: Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood and adolescence resulting in variable restrictions in most aspects of patients' life and decreases their quality of life (QOL). Control of the triggers could be of great benefit in the management of asthma. This study was conducted to assess the effect of education on asthma triggers and controlling them on QOL among adolescents suffering from asthma. Materials and methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed in 60 adolescents aged between 12-18 years. They were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. Mini Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (Juniper 1997) was used prior to intervention and five weeks postintervention in both groups. The intervention group was educated regarding asthma triggers, then they were followed up through telephone calls. The data was analyzed using SPSS V.13, Chi square and t-tests. Results: Significant differences were found in the scores of QOL among both groups. Therefore, education on triggers of asthma and controlling them was effective in enhancing QOL (P?0.001). Conclusion: This intervention was found potent in improving the QOL of adolescents with asthma. Hence, educational programs should be carried out in outpatient clinics on triggers of asthma with the participation of adolescents instead of their parents.