An Assessment of a Pilot Asthma Education Program for Childcare Workers in a High-Prevalence County

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and intentions among childcare workers before and after an asthma-management-education session. METHODS: Between May and August 2004 five asthma-education sessions were provided for childcare workers from Sonoma County, California. A total of 71 childcare workers came to the sessions. Before and after each session we assessed the participants ’ knowledge, attitudes, and intentions about asthma. RESULTS: Partici-pant knowledge of asthma causes (eg, air quality, common cold) and interventions (eg, broncho-dilators), asthma trigger control plans, ability to identify a child who needs medical attention for asthma, and comfort level with caring for a child with asthma increased significantly. Their knowl-edge about asthma triggers, early warning signs, and asthma control plans was high before and after the asthma education intervention. Their stated intentions to utilize their asthma knowledge were high before and after the training, which may indicate willingness to implement knowledge and attitude change. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma education can improve childcare workers ’ knowl-edge about asthma-control strategies and attitudes toward asthma interventions. Key words: asthma, respiratory care, childcare workers, asthma education, asthma management, community health. [Respir Care 2008;53(12):1691–1696. © 2008 Daedalus Enterprises