Asthma care issues in kindergarten teachers: an evaluation on knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy of asthma

J Asthma. 2008 Sep;45(7):539-44. doi: 10.1080/02770900801990008.

Abstract

As frequently there is no school nurse in a kindergarten setting, teachers receiving non-medical training take the primary roles of symptom assessment and management of young children with asthma. This article presents the knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy of asthma in kindergarten teachers in Taiwan. A total valid sample of 460 teachers was recruited from 70 kindergartens. Results showed most teachers understood the basic facts about asthma rather than the complex issues; they demonstrated positive attitudes toward having asthmatic children in class. Regarding self-efficacy, teachers lacked confidence in their ability to manage asthma attacks. Teachers' asthma knowledge showed a significant positive correlation with attitude (r = 0.27, p < 0.001) and self-efficacy knowledge (r = 0.23, p < 0.001). Given the need to help kindergarten teachers take care of children with asthma, the implications of kindergarten teachers' in-service education and training to asthma care are also discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asthma*
  • Female
  • Health Education
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Perception
  • Self Efficacy
  • Taiwan
  • Teaching*