A COMMUNITY-WIDE PROMOTION OF ASTHMA SELF-MANAGEMENT IN NEW-ZEALAND

Asthma affects approximately 9% of young adults in New Zealand, with e vidence of an increase in prevalence over recent years. Morbidity and mortality from this condition have caused widespread concern. In respo nse to identified deficiencies in asthma management, initiatives to pr omote self-management using an asthma action plan were promoted throug hout the Canterbury region in 1991 as part of a regional pilot study. A resource kit was prepared and self-management principles were promot ed to general practitioners in discussion workshops. A community-wide promotion of the action plan was followed by a process and outcome eva luation. The plan and associated resources were well received by docto rs and patients. Seventy-seven percent of doctors responding to a ques tionnaire had used the plan, and of these, 94% indicated that they wou ld continue to use the plan in the future. Patients who obtained a com pleted plan experienced a greater reduction in nocturnal waking with a sthma and improved self-management skills.