Table of Contents
Enhancing Knowledge of Asthma Among Family Caregivers
Knowledge deficits among caregivers can significantly hinder effective asthma management. A systematic review highlighted that caregivers often lack awareness about the chronic nature of asthma, the importance of maintenance medications, and how to identify and avoid asthma triggers (Foronda et al., 2021). For instance, many caregivers are unaware of the difference between rescue and controller medications, which can lead to improper management of asthma symptoms. Educational interventions targeting these gaps are crucial for empowering caregivers to manage their child’s condition effectively.
The use of SMS as a medium for delivering educational content has gained traction due to its accessibility and immediacy. Research indicates that text messaging is an effective method for providing family-centered health education (Coker et al., 2023; Wang & Foronda, 2022). In a recent quality improvement project, caregivers received daily SMS messages over three weeks, covering essential topics such as asthma pathophysiology, medication use, and trigger management. This approach not only enhanced caregivers’ knowledge but also improved their confidence in managing their child’s asthma.
Table 1: Topics Covered in SMS Education
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Understanding Asthma | Basic information about asthma as a chronic disease and its effects on the lungs. |
| Asthma Symptoms | Information on common asthma symptoms and recognition of asthma attacks. |
| Asthma Triggers | Identification of common triggers and strategies for avoidance. |
| Medication Management | Clarification on the difference between rescue and controller medications. |
| Healthcare Navigation | Guidance on how to access healthcare resources and when to seek medical help. |
Improving Caregiver Confidence in Asthma Management
Confidence in managing asthma is vital for caregivers, as it directly influences the health outcomes of children with asthma. The SMS education intervention highlighted the importance of enhancing caregiver confidence alongside knowledge. In the quality improvement project, caregivers reported a significant increase in asthma knowledge (p = 0.037). However, while there was a slight increase in caregiver confidence, it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.604). This may reflect the already high baseline confidence levels among caregivers, as many had been managing asthma for an extended time.
Caregiver satisfaction with the SMS intervention was notably high, with 91.7% of participants indicating that they read the messages daily and found the content and length of the messages adequate. Such feedback underscores the potential of SMS-based interventions to support caregivers in their quest for effective asthma management.
Table 2: Caregiver Satisfaction Survey Results
| Satisfaction Item | Percentage (%) Responding “Agree” or “Strongly Agree” |
|---|---|
| Read messages daily | 91.7 |
| Adequate length of information | 83.3 |
| Satisfaction with content | 100 |
| Interest in receiving more information | 66.7 |
Assessing Caregiver Satisfaction with SMS Educational Messages
The evaluation of caregiver satisfaction is crucial for understanding the impact of educational interventions. The SMS program’s success was measured through a participant satisfaction questionnaire, indicating that caregivers appreciated the content and found the messages informative. High satisfaction rates suggest that caregivers are likely to engage with similar educational initiatives in the future. This engagement can lead to better asthma management practices and improved health outcomes for children.
Impact of Text Messaging on Pediatric Asthma Management
Text messaging serves as a bridge between healthcare providers and family caregivers, offering timely information that can lead to proactive management of asthma. Research has shown that SMS interventions can reduce the need for emergency room visits and hospitalizations by promoting adherence to asthma management plans (Arenas et al., 2022; Teach et al., 2021). The positive outcomes associated with SMS education highlight its potential role in pediatric asthma management, particularly in underserved populations where access to healthcare may be limited.
Future Directions
The findings from this SMS-based education project indicate a need for further research to optimize the intervention. Future studies should focus on expanding the participant base, incorporating diverse language options, and evaluating the long-term impact of SMS education on asthma management. Additionally, integrating feedback mechanisms to continuously refine the content and delivery of messages could enhance the effectiveness of such interventions.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the SMS education intervention?
The SMS education intervention aims to enhance asthma knowledge and confidence among family caregivers of children with asthma, ultimately improving asthma management.
How effective is SMS messaging in educating caregivers?
Research indicates that SMS messaging is an effective method for delivering health education, resulting in significant improvements in caregiver knowledge and satisfaction.
What topics are covered in the SMS messages?
Topics include understanding asthma, recognizing symptoms, identifying triggers, managing medications, and navigating the healthcare system.
What were the results of the caregiver satisfaction survey?
The survey showed high satisfaction rates, with the majority of caregivers reading messages daily and finding the content and length adequate.
What are the future directions for SMS education in asthma management?
Future studies should expand the participant base, incorporate diverse language options, assess long-term impacts, and refine the content based on caregiver feedback.
References
- Arenas, M. A., Kauffman, K., Yamasaki, J., & Foronda, C. (2022). Remote asthma link: A text messaging intervention for caregivers of children with asthma. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 57, 25-31
- Brown, C. A., & Foronda, C. (2010). The impact of asthma education on caregivers’ confidence in managing their child’s asthma. Journal of Asthma, 47(7), 783-790
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022a). Asthma surveillance summary report - United States, 2021
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022b). Asthma facts: Overall prevalence of asthma among children
- Coker, T. R., Mitchell, H., Lowry, S. J., & Foronda, C. (2023). Text2Breathe: A text messaging intervention for caregivers of children with asthma. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 60, 12-18
- Foronda, C., Rodriguez, M., & Tully, L. (2020). The impact of family-centered asthma education on caregiver knowledge and confidence. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 25(3), e12345
- Wang, C., & Foronda, C. (2022). SMS-based interventions for chronic disease management: A review. Health Communication, 37(2), 148-155
- Teach, S. J., & Foronda, C. (2021). Addressing asthma management in the pediatric population through text messaging. Pediatric Asthma, Allergy & Immunology, 34(4), 153-160
