This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

Disparity in pediatric asthma education plans found worldwide

Results from an online survey of the national Member Societies of the World Allergy Organization indicated a wide disparity of available allergy materials aimed at children and their parents, according to recent research.

“The results of this international survey highlight the need to develop a core set of simple, clear and consistent age appropriate information that can be easily translated and delivered in a cultural and educationally appropriate format,” Mark L. Everard, of the School of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Western Australia, and colleagues wrote. “The use of mobile phones and the internet allowing the presentation of both visual and auditory information, together with resources of pictorial action plans, has the potential to greatly enhance the reach of the information to a population currently largely excluded. Increased provision of these educational resources can support the goals of improved pediatric asthma management.”

The researchers sent the survey to 263 representative members of World Allergy Organization member Societies representing 95 countries to determine the availability of allergy materials. Thirty-three participants from 31 counties responded.

“The availability of patient educational material varied from those reporting that printed information was widely available in both hard copy and on the Internet to others who report no specific educational material being available,” Everard and colleagues wrote. “Among the comments made, many reported that when information was available in printed form in a country its availability was limited due to poor distribution and access. Others commented on the lack of age appropriate material, lack of time to participate in the educational process, the absence of material designed to address cultural and educational aspects of patient understanding of their disease.”

The researchers said that a literature search identified resources available in the English language with foreign translation options. They noted that countries have been most effective when adopting plans at the national level. – by Jeff Craven

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.