Date of Graduation

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

Committee Chair

Katherine Karraker

Committee Chair

Katherine Karraker

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of child behavior problems, parenting distress, and child routines in relation to (a) family management of pediatric asthma and (b) children’s adherence to daily maintenance medication. Participants included 30 asthmatic children and their families. Assessment included questionnaires, an interview, and a medication dose-count monitor. Mean percent adherence rates obtained were comparable to the existing literature using similar methods. Scores on measures of parental distress, difficult child behavior, and child care routines were within the normal range. Although data suggested effective asthma management, no significant relations were found between this variable and child behavior problems, parenting distress, or child routines. Significant negative correlations were found between child care routines and both parenting distress and difficult child behavior. Medication adherence was significantly positively correlated with both parental distress and difficult child behavior. Implications of findings are discussed.

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