Evaluation of a Peer-Led Asthma Self-Management Program and Benefits of the Program for Adolescent Peer Leaders

BACKGROUND: Asthma is the leading chronic condition in adolescents. Nonetheless, research efforts to address adolescent asthma morbidity by applying a developmentally appropriate self-management intervention have been limited. Recently a peer-led asthma self-management program has been developed and implemented for adolescents. The purpose of the study was to assess the acceptability of a peer-led asthma program for adolescents based on participant feedback and to examine the program’s impact on asthma outcomes in peer leaders. METHODS: Adolescents with persistent asthma (n 91, 13–17 years) participated in a camp-based asthma program led by peer leaders (the intervention group) or healthcare professionals (the control group), and completed a set of program evaluation forms. Peer leaders (n 14, 16–20 years) completed study questionnaires measuring asthma knowledge, self-efficacy, asthma control, and quality of life at baseline, imme-diately after camp, and 3, 6, and 9 months post-camp. RESULTS: The peer-led group reported more positive experience with the program than the adult-led group (P .01, Cohen’s d 0.53), particularly in its usefulness in dealing with asthma. Peer leaders were rated by participants highly on knowledge (98%), attitudes (93–96%), personal skills (91%), and perceived similarities (80– 86%). Significant improvements were found in peer leaders ’ knowledge (P <.001, 2 0.87), self-efficacy (P <.001, 2 0.74), asthma control (P .01, 2 0.66), and quality of life in emotional functioning (P .002, 2 0.82) and activity (P .003, 2 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: A peer-led asthma self-management program was successfully implemented and well received by adolescent learners. Asthma outcomes in peer leaders appear to have improved as a result of the program, although caution should be exercised in determining clinical meaningfulness, given the modest changes in mean scores. ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT01161225. Key words: asthma; adolescents; self-management; peer-led program; peer leaders. [Respir Care 2012;57(12):2082–2089. © 2012 Daedalus Enterprises