Needs assessment: knowledge of self-management of asthma for children with co-morbid physical and intellectual disabilities: brief report

Abstract

Objectives: 

The main goal of this study was to conduct a needs assessment to ascertain professionals’ and parents’ knowledge of and perceptions about education for self-management of asthma for children with physical and intellectual disabilities (IDs). Another goal was to understand needs for education of children with IDs about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus) and other infectious diseases.

Methods: 

Surveys, presented in the RedCap system, were administered online. Respondents (n = 498) were recruited through sites and listservs for children with disabilities and individuals with asthma. Respondents answered eight questions about knowledge and education for self-management of asthma for children with physical disabilities and IDs. Respondents answered four questions pertaining to management of coronavirus for children with IDs.

Results: 

Respondents’ indicated that it would be easier to educate youth with mild or moderate versus severe levels of disabilities. Children with IDs may not receive the education they need to manage their asthma. When comparing those in different occupations, teachers reported lower knowledge for educating children with IDs about asthma management and coronavirus.

Conclusions: 

Doctors and nurses can develop programs for children with physical disabilities and IDs. Programming for youth with severe impairments is needed and perhaps developmentally appropriate programming for youth with IDs will improve education of youth and, concomitantly improve their self-management of asthma and potentially quality of life. Educating teachers is critical specifically about asthma triggers, how to involve youth in self-care, and how to educate children with IDs about coronavirus.

Abbreviations:
U.S.: United States;	=	IDs: intellectual disabilities

Keywords:

• Asthma
• intellectual disabilities
• physical disabilities
• children
• education

Disclosure of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.