Online Support for Children With Asthma and Allergies

Abstract

Children with asthma and allergies experience social isolation and gaps in social support particularly from peers. The objective of this pilot study was to design and test an accessible online support intervention for these children. Children (n = 27) aged 7 to 11 from across Canada participated. GoToMeeting was employed for the support group sessions and Club Penguin for social connections during and between support group meetings. Content included: strategies for coping with asthma and allergies, role playing and games to help children deal with difficult situations, fun and enjoyment, and presentations by positive role models. Participation in the online peer support intervention was high, 86.3% on average over the 8-week intervention. By sharing their experiences, listening to peers' experiences, and role playing, children were introduced to practical skills: problem solving, communicating, seeking support, and self-advocacy.

Experiences of interventions aiming to improve the mental health and well‐being of children and young people with a long‐term physical condition: A systematic review and meta‐ethnography

“…Social support can facilitate CYP's initial engagement with an intervention, the development of therapeutic relationships, and sense of belonging, as well as facilitate the learning of skills to manage their physical and mental health. This is consistent with the social support model proposed by Stewart et al () and Stewart, Letourneau, Masuda, Anderson, and McGhan (), which differentiates between affirmational, emotional, and informational support. Gaysynsky, Romansky‐Poulin, and Arpadi () propose the concept of “esteem support,” which encompasses “validation” and “compliment,” ideas included within the constructs ‘Therapeutic Foundation' and ‘Hope and Inspiration' emerging from this review.…”

“…Loneliness and social dissatisfaction decreased (Stewart, Letourneau, Masuda, Anderson, & McGhan, 2013a).…”

“…“It was nice for her to see that other people were in her shoes, that what I think was the best part, to see that other people are dealing with the same things she was dealing with. You do not feel like you are alone” [Parent, Allergies/Asthma] (Stewart et al, 2013a, p. 181).…”

“…Social support can help CYP acquire knowledge and skills regarding how to manage their physical, emotional, and social difficulties (Marsac et al, ; Stewart et al, ). As they master these skills, CYP develop a sense of confidence in their own abilities to manage their future physical (e.g., Barnetz & Feigin, ) and mental (e.g., Jaser, Patel, Linsky, & Whittemore, ) health needs.…”

“…The presence of familiar people (e.g., Ayres et al; Dennison et al, 2010) and ensuring that there are rules encouraging appropriate behaviour (e.g., Brodeur, 2005;Desai et al, 2014) and protect the privacy and/or anonymity of CYPs (e.g., Nicholas et al, 2007;Stewart et al, 2013a) can support participants to feel secure within an intervention setting. This perception of safety can help CYP "escape" the stigma and worry associated with their LTC experienced during their daily lives (e.g., Muskat et al, 2016).…”