EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF AN INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM IN THE SELF-MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH ASTHMA

The restrictions imposed on patients with asthma is problematic to them, in that their physical disability interferes with personal, interpersonal and/or professional goals. Twenty-three patients under the care of general practitioners were surveyed by interview in their homes, doctors' surgery or at work to determine their current control of selected variables related to their asthma: exercise, use of drugs and related factors. An instructional programme was offered to interested participants to assist in complying with their prescribed medication regimens and to tailor exercise to their tolerance levels. Findings showed that 18 patients experienced moderate to severe restrictions when troubled with asthma. Although over one-half of the patients exercised regularly for fitness, including seven with aerobic exercise, some chose sports they thought could provoke an asthmatic attack. Half took precautionary measures when exercising. All patients used bronchodilators to relieve their asthma, yet one-third did not keep their inhalers accessible. None of the most troubled 18 lived in a smoke-free environment, and one-third kept furry animals as pets. Recommendations are made for further study of the effects of instructional programme to improve compliance to a healthy lifestyle.