Asthma affects the quality of life of school-age children. Children with asthma and their parents do not effectively practice asthma self-management. These children suffer from mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of asthma. Poor asthma management impacts school attendance. School-based asthma education benefits students, parents, and the school district. Effective asthma education can improve asthma knowledge, symptom/triggers recognition, and medication compliance among children with asthma.
Methods: A quantitative descriptive study using pretest/posttest design. The Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) was utilized. A convenience sample of 19 students in grades 6-8 and ages 11 - 14 completed the KicKin’ asthma education intervention and the PAQLQ. The KicKin’ asthma education was provided once a week for four sessions. The PAQLQ was completed pre and post the KicKin’ asthma education intervention. Results: Significantly higher PAQLQ scores were seen in each of the PAQLQ domains after the Kickin’ asthma intervention. For activity limitations T=75, z= -2.810 p <. 005, symptoms T=55, z= -2.970 p <. 003, and emotional functions T=79, z= -2.517 p <. 012 respectively.
Conclusion: The KicKin’ asthma education intervention effectively improved the quality of life of middle school students diagnosed with asthma. School-based asthma education is beneficial, and a successful asthma education program can improve the overall health outcomes of children with asthma. Further research is warranted to explore the resources available to sustain school-based asthma education programs.

Dr. Esther Igboerika completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program from Maryville University. She obtained her BSN/PHN from Azusa Pacific University, and BS. Anatomy from University of Port Har-court Nigeria, She is a credentialed school nurse and she loves educating children. Her clinical experiences are in school health and rural clinics. She is the Chief Nursing Officer and the MSN program director at Fresno Pacific University.