TY - JOUR T1 - Evaluation of a Peer-Led Asthma Self-Management Program and Benefits of the Program for Adolescent Peer Leaders JF - Respiratory Care SP - 2082 LP - 2089 DO - 10.4187/respcare.01488 VL - 57 IS - 12 AU - Hyekyun Rhee AU - Brenda E McQuillan AU - Michael J Belyea Y1 - 2012/12/01 UR - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/57/12/2082.abstract N2 - BACKGROUND: Asthma is the leading chronic condition in adolescents. Nonetheless, research efforts to address adolescent asthma morbidity by applying a developmentally appropriate self-management intervention have been limited. Recently a peer-led asthma self-management program has been developed and implemented for adolescents. The purpose of the study was to assess the acceptability of a peer-led asthma program for adolescents based on participant feedback and to examine the program's impact on asthma outcomes in peer leaders. METHODS: Adolescents with persistent asthma (n = 91, 13–17 years) participated in a camp-based asthma program led by peer leaders (the intervention group) or healthcare professionals (the control group), and completed a set of program evaluation forms. Peer leaders (n = 14, 16–20 years) completed study questionnaires measuring asthma knowledge, self-efficacy, asthma control, and quality of life at baseline, immediately after camp, and 3, 6, and 9 months post-camp. RESULTS: The peer-led group reported more positive experience with the program than the adult-led group (P = .01, Cohen's d = 0.53), particularly in its usefulness in dealing with asthma. Peer leaders were rated by participants highly on knowledge (98%), attitudes (93–96%), personal skills (91%), and perceived similarities (80–86%). Significant improvements were found in peer leaders' knowledge (P < .001, η2 = 0.87), self-efficacy (P < .001, η2 = 0.74), asthma control (P = .01, η2 = 0.66), and quality of life in emotional functioning (P = .002, η2 = 0.82) and activity (P = .003, η2 = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: A peer-led asthma self-management program was successfully implemented and well received by adolescent learners. Asthma outcomes in peer leaders appear to have improved as a result of the program, although caution should be exercised in determining clinical meaningfulness, given the modest changes in mean scores. ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT01161225. ER -