PFRG: research projects
Current projects
The effects of parenting intervention on child behaviour, parental confidence and asthma management in young children
Abstract
Childhood asthma is a major cause of school absenteeism, emergency department attendance, and admission to hospital. While effective management strategies are available, few children adhere to prescribed treatments, increasing asthma morbidity and health system usage. Parents play a key role in ensuring asthma management adherence, however, there is a paucity of empirically validated interventions to assist parents with managing their child’s asthma. The aim of the proposed research is to evaluate an evidence-based parent education and skills-training program for parents of asthmatic children. A parenting intervention would increase parents’ skills and confidence in managing their child’s asthma and behaviour, and therefore reduce asthma morbidity and unscheduled medical interventions.
Duration of the project
2010-2013
Funding body
NIHR Research for Patient Benefit programme
Members of the project
| Dr Clare Murray | Principal investigator |
| Professor Rachel Calam | Co-investigator |
| Alina Morawska | Co-investigator |
| Professor Matthew R. Sanders | Co-investigator |
| Margaret Cuffwright | Co-investigator |
| Professor Peter Callery | Co-investigator |
Parents of young children often struggle to administer asthma treatment and deal with their child's challenging behaviour, especially when unwell. This study evaluates an evidence-based parent education and skills-training programme for parents of asthmatic children. The intervention uses the established Triple P-Positive Parenting Program, employing parenting seminars for parents of 2-7 year olds. Children's behaviour can be most difficult at this age. This is the first study to explore this way of improving outcomes for families of children with asthma.