A Feasibility Study of Q-sort to Determine Recall of Skin Test Results and Environmental Remediation Education

Abstract

Objective. Allergic asthma is common in urban minority children and evidence suggests that remediation tailored to the child’s allergic profile is the most effective management strategy. The purpose of this pilot study therefore was to examine the caregiver’s recall of their child’s skin test results and the accuracy of planned remediation ∼4 months after testing. Methods. Caregivers were asked to recall their child’s skin test results ∼4 months after their skin testing but before any follow-up visit. A Q-sort was then used to determine the knowledge of the recommended remediation. In this Q-sort, caregivers placed 52 cards, each representing one intervention for an indoor allergen, on a response board that prioritized the interventions. At the conclusion of the Q-sort, caregivers received feedback on the accuracy of their recall and prioritization. Results. African American caregivers (5 females; mean age 33.6) of 5 children (4 males; mean age 7.8) were enrolled. No caregiver’s recall of skin test results was concordant with the actual results for type or number of allergens. Caregiver’s accuracy in prioritizing strategies was 33–100% for cat dander, 40–70% for molds, 70–87% for dust mite allergens, and 100% for the one dog allergic child. Subjects preferred Q-sort to traditional methods of receiving remediation education. Conclusions. Caregivers do not accurately recall skin test results and this may, in part, impede their ability to implement appropriate interventions. A low-literacy game-style approach is a novel strategy to provide complex teaching that warrants further investigation.

• African American
• allergies
• asthma
• Q-sort
• self-management
• triggers
• urban

Acknowledgement

The authors thank Dr. Christine K. Bradway for her invaluable consultation on this project.

Declaration of Interest

Kristen Townsend, James M. Corry, Beth Hogan Quigley, and Maureen George have no affiliation with any organization with a financial interest, direct or indirect, in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.