An assessment of the value of health education in the prevention of childhood asthma.

A research project, which looks at the value of health education in the prevention of childhood asthma, is described. The project was a controlled trial by a health visitor focused within the community. This exploratory research looked at three groups of children over a 2-year period, and compared the effect of: (a) individual health education, and (b) group health education. During the first year, two groups were active, one receiving individual health education, the other collecting data of the same type. During the second year, a third group was involved in health education sessions. The findings have been similar in both cases, in that both groups have demonstrated a good improvement in knowledge of asthma and its treatment. Through the active involvement of using a peakflow meter and diary records in the health education programme, both groups receiving health education have shown a significant improvement in the morbidity indicators related to night symptoms and restricted activities. The qualitative analysis of the research also highlighted the value parents of asthmatic children place on counselling.