Integrating self-efficacy in the cyclical process of paediatric asthma management: a new perspective

ABSTRACT

Asthma management consists of a cyclical process based on clinical assessment of the patient, the implementation of therapeutic adjustments, and evaluation of the patient’s response. Self-efficacy is the person’s confidence in his or her ability to successfully perform a behaviour and guides the patient’s decisions for producing healthy behaviours.

Studies have shown that asthma management is related to self-efficacy, which in turn can be influenced by various psychosocial factors. A literature search on the relationship between asthma and self-efficacy in paediatric age, has allowed us to hypothesize that adequate levels of self-efficacy might be achieved through a cyclical process, ‘the self-efficacy cycle’, taking into account assessment, identification of modifiable risk factors and patient’s response. This would make it easier to identify the personal and social aspects on which to intervene to promote a proper management of the disease.

KEYWORDS:

• Self-efficacy
• asthma management
• children

Highlights

• The cyclical process of paediatric asthma management requires changes in the children’s cognitive-behavioural patterns.

• Self-efficacy assessment would facilitate the management of the disease.

• Identifying psychosocial factors that influence self-efficacy would allow early and targeted interventions.

• Patient reassessment over time allows identifying the factors that could interfere with the proper management of the disease.

• The process of asthmatic patientmanagement requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Authors’ contributions

LM, GF and SLG wrote the initial draft. MA performed a critical revision of the manuscript. All authors had final responsibility for the decision to submit for publication. All authors provided substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work, revised the manuscript for important intellectual content, approved the final version, and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Additional information

Funding

No financial support was provided.