A concept analysis of self-management of asthma in children

Asthma is a chronic disease commonly seen in children. It is absolutely essential for a child who suffers from the disease, and his/her family members, to learn how to perform self-management to minimize the rate of asthmatic deterioration, attack episodes, and the risk of mortality. Literature review indicates that there is no consistency of definition and terminology as far as the concept of "self-management" is concerned. This study, therefore, adopts the concept analysis proposed by Walker & Avant, by searching seven health-related databases via systematic review methodology. From the results of the concept analysis it can be concluded that there are three definitive features of self-management among asthmatic children: 1) the learning and performance process factors determined reciprocally by cognition, physiology, behavior, and environment, 2) the prevention and management of sudden asthma attacks, 3) the normalization of the patient's life with proper control of the asthmatic condition and a reduction of asthma attacks. On the basis of this concept analysis, the authors expect to develop a theoretical framework and related research to build up an asthma knowledge base for future care of children with asthma.