An evaluation of open airways for schools: Using college students as instructors

Fifteen years ago, Open Airways for Schools (OAS) was found to be an effect ive asthma education program for elementary school children, when taught by professionals. To determine whether OAS is effective when taught by colleg e students and whether it could withstand potential cohort effects, 54 inne r-city fourth and fifth graders were taught GAS. Paired t-tests revealed th at OAS improved asthma knowledge, self-efficacy, self-management skills, so cial support, and perception of well-being (p < 0.05). Fifteen years later OAS continues to improve children's selfmanagement skills. Facilitators wit h little prior experience who received brief training in asthma knowledge a nd group leadership skills can effectively teach GAS.