THE IMPACT OF A SUMMER ASTHMA CAMP EXPERIENCE ON ASTHMA EDUCATION ANDMORBIDITY IN CHILDREN

Background. This study examines whether an educational program emphasi zing self-management skills can be successfully implemented in an asth ma camp setting, and the degree to which this camp experience would af fect asthma-associated morbidity among children attending such a progr am. Methods. Ninety asthmatic children between the ages of 6 and 12 ye ars who were attending a summer asthma camp were enrolled in the study . A precamp questionnaire was sent to the parents of these children to assess asthma morbidity during the preceding 12 months and to determi ne the prevalence of the use of peak flow meters and spacer devices by their children. At camp, children received educational sessions on as thma selfmanagement, including training in the proper use of spacer de vices and peak flow meters. Follow-up questionnaires were sent to the parents at 1 and 6 months after camp to assess the use of these device s ana to measure subsequent asthma morbidity. Results. Precamp use of spacer devices among all participants was 51.9%; the 1-month and 6-mon th post-camp use of spacer devices significantly increased to 92.4% (P <.001) and 85.9% (P<.001), respectively. The precamp use of peak flow meters was 50.0%; the 1-month and 6-month postcamp use was increased t o 95.0% (P<.001) and 87.7% (P<.001), respectively. Six-month follow-up revealed a significant decrease in urgent outpatient visits for asthm a exacerbations and a significant decrease in school day absences due to asthma. Conclusions. An asthma camp is an effective environment for a patient education program emphasizing selfmanagement skills. Childr en with moderate to severe asthma who attend such a camp may experienc e a decrease in subsequent asthma-associated morbidity.