Qualitative research on the family management and family needs of children with asthma

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: A qualitative research was conducted to investigate the problems on the family management of asthmatic children and the needs for family health services in order to provide basis for family-centered care. METHODS: Fifteen caregivers of children with asthma were interviewed with open-ended questions. The collected data were studied using Colaizzi's seven-step method of phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: The problems of family management and the needs for family health services were shown as follows: insufficient knowledge to prevention and treatment of asthma, poor compliance, ignoring psychological effects of asthma on children, a family's failure to cope with the distress and financial burden. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to provide asthma education and prevention program for caregivers and encourage them to participate in the design of medical program for asthmatic children. Individual asthma education and guides are also necessary for caregivers.［Chin J Contemp Pediatr, 2009, 11 (6):437-440］