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Abstract
Context: Asthma is the most common chronic illness of childhood and the leading cause of hospitalization in young children. Asthma negatively impacts physical health, psychosocial wellbeing, and quality of life for affected children but the psychosocial support needs of children with asthma and severe have not been studied from their point of view.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the support and education needs and preferred interventions of allergic children with asthma and/or severe allergies.
Methods: Qualitative constant comparative content analysis was used to identify major themes from semi-structured individual interviews with 20 children with asthma and allergies and 35 parents.
Findings: Children expressed frustration with the limitations imposed by asthma and allergies on their regular activities and normal lives. Parents believed that peer support someone to whom their child could relate as a role model that support could improve both their children’s and their own coping.
Conclusions: Parents and children preferred a combination of in-person meetings and internet support to enhance the capacity of children, reduce children’s anxiety, increase their self-care skills, and self-confidence. In addition they believed a support intervention was a stepping stone to developing a community of support for children with asthma, allergies, and anaphylaxis.