A preliminary study of factors that influence children's sense of competence to manage their asthma

Abstract

This study identifies several factors that appear to influence children's sense of competence to manage their asthma. The study examined a consecutive series of 62 children and adolescents who had been admitted to hospital for management of their asthma. Self-reports rating their sense of competence to manage their asthma were obtained from all the children. In addition, reports were obtained of the children's motivation to achieve healthy functioning, their sense of control over their health, and parental knowledge of childhood asthma management. Results from the study suggest that older children, children who are more intrinsically motivated to achieve healthy functioning, and children with parents who are knowledgable about asthma management feel more competent to manage their asthma. It is suggested that the effectiveness of asthma self-management programs for children may be improved if there is a better understanding of the psychological factors that influence children's sense of competence to manage their asthma.