Culturally tailored school-based intervention for asthma in Malaysia (CuT-AsthMa): A protocol for a mixed-methods feasibility study

05 Aug 2021
Clinical Research Results Implementation Science/Service Development Research Ideas on Respiratory Conditions and Tobacco Dependency Abstract Research questions: • Is implementation of the CuT-AsthMa programme feasible and acceptable? • What is the best outcome measure for a future trial and the potential for change?Background:School-based interventions for self-management of asthma improve asthma outcomes, e.g. improve asthma control, reduce school absenteeism and asthma exacerbations. In Malaysia, there is no asthma school programme, asthma clinic review rates are low, and asthma is poorly controlled. To improve this, we developed a Culturally Tailored school-based intervention for Asthma in Malaysia (CuT-AsthMa).Methods: This feasibility study will be conducted in a school in Port Dickson district in Malaysia. We have worked in partnership with the stakeholders (including the participating school) to develop a multi-level intervention to: improve awareness and reduce stigma among the school community; introduce a school asthma care plan; and improve self-management of children with asthma.To implement CuT-AsthMa, an ‘asthma awareness month’ will be organised for the whole school (children and staff) and family members of children with asthma. Feasibility will be assessed quantitatively (participation and dropout rates, reported adherence to school asthma action plan), and qualitatively with interviews exploring the perspective of the school community (children, parents, school staff) and healthcare professionals (child’s family doctor, school health team, family medicine specialist, local paediatrician), regarding CuT-AsthMa and how it was implemented.To estimate potential outcomes for a future trial, we will measure asthma control 3-months post-intervention using symptom scores and other asthma-related health outcomes e.g. school absenteeism, unscheduled medical visits, hospitalisation and reported involvement in physical activities. From school records, the documentation of the number of asthma attacks and adherence to the school action plan will also be assessed.Questions to discuss: • What is the most important outcome? • How to attract parents to be involved in the intervention? • How to link effectively with primary healthcare services? Declaration of Interest This research was commissioned by the UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Global Health Research Unit on Respiratory Health (RESPIRE), using UK Aid from the UK Government to support global health research.The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the UK Department of Health and Social Care. References and Clinical Trial Registry Information

Resource information

Respiratory conditions
  • Asthma
Respiratory topics
  • Children
Type of resource
Abstract
Conference
Dublin 2021
Author(s)
Siti Nurkamilla Ramdzan, University of Malaya, Malaysia