Ka‘u Community Asthma Management Program

Abstract

Asthma has debilitating effects which impact the mental, physical and socio-economic aspects of the population. The Ka’u district has the highest number of adults who have asthma. The project was guided by the ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation complimented by community participatory approach. Literature review and synthesis revealed that community-based asthma education and asthma self-management that includes self-efficacy, an asthma action plan, journal writing, and the use of peak flow meters are the most effective interventions for asthma control. The objective of the project was to determine whether community-based asthma education and self-management including: self-efficacy, an asthma action plan, journal writing, and use of peak flow meters, reduces asthma exacerbations. The Ka’u Community Asthma Management Program (KCAMP) is an evidence-based practice project designed to improve the practice of management of asthma. One-on-one and group asthma educational teaching and skills training sessions were provided to participants. The program sessions were held in Naʻālehu, Hawai’i at Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‛Ōiwi, at the Hawai’i County Economic Opportunity Council Center, and in the residences of the participants. Fourteen adult residents with asthma from the Ka’u District, ages from 28 to 75 years old participated in the program. There were 64% (n=9) females and 36% (n=5) males. The racially diverse group included ten Hawaiians, three Asians, and one Caucasian. Participation in the program resulted in the increase of asthma knowledge 93% (n=13); ACT scores increased by 100% (n=14); MiniAQLQ scores increased by 93% (n=13); peak flow measurements increased by 86% (n=12); FEV1 levels increased by 64% (n=9); and, 71% (n=10) choosing asthma education as the most helpful intervention. This project increased participants’ knowledge in asthma, decreased asthma exacerbations, prevented hospitalization, provided participants confidence to manage their asthma and increased their quality of life. The key implication for practice is to promote KCAMP as a community based asthma self-management program. The barriers and challenges of the project serve as exemplars for others the incentive to create plans to overcome these obstacles. This project serves as a form of asthma self-management program in the community setting.