Achieving treatment goals for schoolchildren with asthma
Department of Paediatrics, Prince Charles
Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
Correspondence to: Dr E J Fillmore, Department of Child Health, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF4 4XN.
Accepted 25 July 1997
OBJECTIVES
To identify problems in managing
asthmatic children in school, which if dealt with would help reduce
absenteeism and improve participation in school activities.
DESIGNA survey by questionnaire to headteachers.
SettingSchools in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff, South Wales.
SUBJECTAsthmatic schoolchildren in areas studied.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESFacilities in schools to
manage asthma, headteachers' perceptions of knowledge of asthma
management by teachers, possession of written policies, and desire for
further training.
RESULTSThere are 216 schools in the area studied,
with 55 166 schoolchildren. A total of 191 (88%) headteachers
returned the completed questionnaire. Five hundred and twenty seven
(17%) children were reported absent from school during one term
because of asthma, with an average of nine days of schooling lost per
asthmatic child per term (range 2-16 days).
Only 76 (40%) schools allowed children to be responsible
for their inhalers, and 12 (6%) schools required parents to administer inhalers. In 115 (60%) schools, headteachers believed their staff were
familiar with the management of asthma. A total of 174 (91%) headteachers expressed interest in further training.
CONCLUSIONThis study highlights the need to train
teachers and provide an agreed joint education and health policy on
managing asthma in school.
© 1997 by Archives of Disease in Childhood
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