School practices in supporting children with asthma in Malta.
J Asthma
; 59(9): 1742-1749, 2022 09.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34347559
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this study was to obtain information about teachers' knowledge, attitudes, practices and beliefs about medication related to working with children having asthma in state primary schools in Malta. This study provides information about management in a country with a high prevalence of asthma among children, and limited availability of school nurses.METHODS:
A cross-sectional electronic survey investigating beliefs about medicines, asthma knowledge, attitude toward students with asthma, self-efficacy and practice in an asthma exacerbation, current practices, views, experiences and training relating to asthma was sent to all participating state primary schools in Malta.RESULTS:
A total of 167 teachers from 26 schools answered the questionnaire. The majority of respondents (56%) were unaware of children's conditions and limited information about children's asthma was provided to them. Only 20% of teachers reported receiving training on how to support children with asthma. Overall, teachers reported low asthma knowledge scores (mean score of 5.5 ± 3.3 out of a possible maximum of 14), and poor self-efficacy with only 6% agreeing that they can support a student having an asthma exacerbation on their own rather than sending the student to hospital. The study also demonstrated a strong interest by teachers to receive asthma education.CONCLUSIONS:
Interventions with regard to identifying students with asthma, asthma training for teachers, individualized asthma action plans, enhanced communication between school staff, parents and the medical team, and standard guidelines/policy are needed to provide a supportive school environment for primary school children with asthma.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Asma
Tipo de estudo:
Guideline
/
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Child
/
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Asthma
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Malta