Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the demographics of asthma self-management program participants and the efficacy of the program in relation to educational, behavioral, and impact variables (asthma knowledge, asthma self-efficacy, and asthma attitude). Methodology. This study focused on a data set from patients who completed an asthma intervention program Outcome variables from this intervention were utilized as inputs to determine if healthcare policy (in relation to healthcare delivery) can or should be altered or implemented as depicted in an Outcomes Loop Model. The data was examined to determine if intervention program participants had particular demographics that would increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. Outcomes data were first analyzed with univariate analysis to determine if any demographic characteristics were associated with a favorable outcome, and variables found to be significant were then subjected to stepwise logistic regression. Findings and conclusions. Examination of the data set showed that of all the independent variables analyzed, the educational level of the participant accounted for the most statistical significance. Patients with some college (or more) education consistently scored better in the categories of asthma knowledge, asthma self-efficacy, and asthma attitude (both before and after intervention). Overall, the asthma self-management program was beneficial to those who participated, but those with higher educational levels performed better. Recommendations. Healthcare policy makers can investigate the feasibility of legislation that requires the provision of intervention programs for asthmatics. If economically feasible, intervention programs can be designed to take into account the educational level of those who will be participating to increase the probability of a successful outcome for healthcare delivery to chronic disease patients.