How young children learn independent asthma self-management: a qualitative study in Malaysia. Issue 9 (3rd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramdzan, Siti Nurkamilla; Khoo, Ee Ming; Liew, Su May; Cunningham, Steven; Kendall, Marilyn; Sukri, Nursyuhada; Salim, Hani; Suhaimi, Julia; Lee, Ping Yein; Cheong, Ai Theng; Hussein, Norita; Hanafi, Nik Sherina; Mohd Ahad, Azainorsuzila; Pinnock, Hilary
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 105:Issue 9(2020)
• Page Start: 819
• Page End: 824
• Publication Date: 2020-07-03
• Subjects: asthma -- children -- qualitative research -- general paediatrics -- patient perspective; Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-318127
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: We aimed to explore the views of Malaysian children with asthma and their parents to enhance understanding of early influences on development of self-management skills. Design: This is a qualitative study conducted among children with asthma and their parents. We used purposive sampling and conducted focus groups and interviews using a semi-structured topic guide in the participants' preferred language. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, entered into NVivo and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Settings: We identified children aged 7–12 years with parent-reported, physician-diagnosed asthma from seven suburban primary schools in Malaysia. Focus groups and interviews were conducted either at schools or a health centre. Results: Ninety-nine participants (46 caregivers, 53 children) contributed to 24 focus groups and 6 individual interviews. Children mirrored their parents' management of asthma but, in parallel, learnt and gained confidence to independently self-manage asthma from their own experiences and self-experimentation. Increasing independence was more apparent in children aged 10 years and above. Cultural norms and beliefs influenced children's independence to self-manage asthma either directly or indirectly through their social network. External influences, for example, support from school and healthcare, also played a role in the transition. Conclusion: Children learnt the skills to self-manage asthma as early as 7 years old with growing independence from the age of 10 years. Healthcare professionals should use child-centred approach and involve schools to facilitate asthma self-management and support a smooth transition to independent self-management. Trial registration number: Malaysian National Medical Research Register (NMRR-15-1242-26898).