Animated Video and Booklet Education for Improving Asthma Control and Medication Compliance in Children

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Asthma Education - Animated Video: This intervention consists of a 7-minute and 39-second animated video titled "Living with Asthma," specifically designed for children aged 7 to 11. The video features two characters, Mert and Robo, who explain asthma, its symptoms, triggers, and correct inhaler techniques in a child-friendly manner. The content is based on the latest GINA (2020) and NHLBI (2020) guidelines. The video is first watched in the clinic setting using a tablet device and then shared with parents via WhatsApp, email, or CD for home viewing. Parents are asked to watch the video with their child at least twice per week for two months and record viewing frequency using a structured observation form. This visual and engaging format distinguishes the intervention from conventional text-based education.

Booklet Group: This intervention involves the distribution of a 12-page, full-color, illustrated educational booklet titled "Living with Asthma," developed for children aged 7 to 11. The booklet covers topics such as asthma symptoms, triggers, medication use, and device techniques using simple language and visual aids. Its content was developed in line with GINA (2020) and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2020) recommendations. During the initial clinic visit, children and parents are introduced to the booklet and instructed to review it together at least twice per week over two months. Parents are also asked to log reading sessions using a structured observation form. This printed, interactive material offers a visually supported, age-appropriate alternative to standard asthma education methods.

Study summary

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, and it is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 262 million people were affected by asthma in 2019, with 461,000 asthma-related deaths annually. In Turkey, the prevalence of asthma in children aged 6-12 ranges from 2% to 16%. Inadequate asthma control in children is often associated with poor medication adherence, lack of knowledge, misbeliefs, and ineffective communication with healthcare professionals. Education is therefore a crucial element of successful asthma management.

Recently, the use of digital tools such as animated videos has become increasingly popular in pediatric education due to their engaging and interactive nature. Studies have shown that visual and interactive materials can improve knowledge, satisfaction, and adherence in children with chronic illnesses.

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention using an animated video and booklet on asthma control and medication compliance in children aged 7-11 diagnosed with asthma. It is expected that this child-friendly, visually enriched educational approach will enhance asthma management and support medication adherence in children.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Asthma control score (Childhood Asthma Control Test - C-ACT) — Baseline, 1st month, and 2nd month follow-up
  Asthma control will be assessed using the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT), a 7-item validated scale for children aged 4-11. Scores range from 0 to 27. A score ≥20 indicates controlled asthma; ≤19 indicates uncontrolled asthma. It will be administered at baseline, 1st month, and 2nd month follow-up.
• Medication Adherence (MARS-5) — Baseline, 1st month, and 2nd month follow-up
  Medication adherence will be measured with the MARS-5 (Medication Adherence Report Scale), a 5-item Likert-type questionnaire. Scores range from 5 to 25; higher scores indicate better adherence. The scale will be administered at baseline, 1st month, and 2nd month.

Trial sites (1)

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