EVALUATION OF AN EDUCATIONAL-PROGRAM FOR ASTHMA CONTROL IN ADULTS

We have developed a 6-month educational plan associated with outpatien t follow-up and special clinical care for asthmatic patients in a depr ived population, with serious socioeconomic problems and a very low le vel of education. The objective was to determine the effects of the pr ogram on clinical asthma outcomes, lung function, and quality of life. Forty patients were enrolled in the program with a regular schedule o f outpatient visits, and 31 finished the 6-month intervention, which i ncluded information about asthma, instruction in appropriate use of me dication, training in metered-dose inhaler technique, how to identify and control asthma triggers, how to use symptom diary cards, and how t o recognize early signs of deterioration. Patients included 8 males an d 23 females, 47.8 +/- 16.5 years old, with 77.4% elementary school ed ucation and 22.6% illiterate, and an average monthly income of around $450. After the 6-month program there was a significant change in asth ma control with a reduction in asthma emergency visits and hospitaliza tions, reduction of score symptoms, and improvement in quality of life . Based on the results, educational programs are recommended and shoul d be adapted to the socioeconomic and cultural characteristics of the target population.