Youths with asthma and their experiences of self-management education: A systematic review of qualitative evidence

Abstract

Aims: To identify and synthesize the available evidence of youths with asthma and their experience of self-management education.

Design: Systematic literature review of qualitative studies with meta-synthesis of findings.

Data sources: We searched five databases, CINAHL Complete, Embase, MEDLINE (EBSCO) PsycINFO, ASSIA and the Global Index Medicus (formerly the WHOLIS). Initial search in September 2019 and updated in July 2020 and July 2022.

Review methods: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. Qualitative data were extracted, meta-summarized and then meta-synthesized.

Results: Eighteen studies were identified for inclusion in this review and three themes were identified: The theory and practice gap, contemporary health-seeking preferences and the psychosocial impacts of living with asthma.

Conclusion: The needs of youths with asthma are specific and must be measurable against the change in asthma outcomes for this group. They have unmet self-management educational needs that stakeholders, involved in their care and support, should address. Education and practice policy should focus on youth-centric approaches. Through meaningful engagement with youths, stakeholders can identify their support needs, requirements and preferences to successfully underpin the theory and practice of self-management education.

Impact: This review synthesized evidence of youths with asthma and their experiences of self-management education, highlighting their specific self-management information needs. The findings highlight several implications for healthcare professionals in education, practice and research. This age profile is under-explored and further research into this population would work towards filling the theory and practice gap and highlighting the identified psychosocial issues faced by this group.

Keywords: asthma; education; nurse; qualitative research; self-management; systematic literature review; youth; adolescents.