OBJECTIVES: To identify problems in managing asthmatic children in school, which if dealt with would help reduce absenteeism and improve participation in school activities. DESIGN: A survey by questionnaire to headteachers. SETTING: Schools in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff, South Wales. SUBJECT: Asthmatic schoolchildren in areas studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Facilities in schools to manage asthma, headteachers' perceptions of knowledge of asthma management by teachers, possession of written policies, and desire for further training. RESULTS: There 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. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need to train teachers and provide an agreed joint education and health policy on managing asthma in school.
OBJECTIVES: To identify problems in managing asthmatic children in school, which if dealt with would help reduce absenteeism and improve participation in school activities. DESIGN: A survey by questionnaire to headteachers. SETTING: Schools in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff, South Wales. SUBJECT: Asthmatic schoolchildren in areas studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Facilities in schools to manage asthma, headteachers' perceptions of knowledge of asthma management by teachers, possession of written policies, and desire for further training. RESULTS: There 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. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need to train teachers and provide an agreed joint education and health policy on managing asthma in school.