Effect of an Empowerment Program for Mothers and their School-Age Children on Asthma Control during Climate Change

Background: Climate change poses significant challenges to asthma management in school-age children, affecting air quality, allergen exposure, extreme weather, and healthcare infrastructure. Aim: To evaluate the effect of an empowerment program for mothers and their school-age children on asthma control during climate change. Method: A quasi-experimental design was conducted at Mansoura University Children’s Hospital, involving 100 mothers and their school-age children. Data were collected using Asthma Knowledge, Practices, and Climate Change Adaptation Questionnaire and the Childhood Asthma Control Test. Results: Before the intervention, 81% of mothers and 98% of children had unsatisfactory knowledge, which improved to 92% and 90%, respectively, and was largely sustained three months later (88% and 83%). Satisfactory practices also increased from 29% of mothers and 20% of children to 90% and 88%, with slight retention at three months (87% and 84%) (p < 0.01). Additionally, symptom severity decreased significantly, with mean scores dropping from 8.6 to 5.21 in children and 11.9 to 8.7 in mothers (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The empowerment program was highly effective in improving knowledge, practices, and asthma control outcomes among mothers and their children, with sustained benefits over time. Recommendations: Develop workshops, educational materials, and online resources specifically addressing the link between climate change and asthma.