Comparing of visual concept map (painting) and face to face method to educate asthmatic children in using spray

Inhaled therapy (Sprays) is one of the basic strategies for treatment of asthma. Spray application methods play a significant role on effective asthma management. Therefore education on how to use inhaled therapy is essential. The present study aimed at comparing the impact of education through concept mapping with face to face education on spray application of children with asthma. A controlled clinical trial was conducted with 80 asthmatic children, ranging in age from 6 to 12 years old. They were selected through random allocation. Control group were educated through face to face method and experimental group by visual concept mapping. Pre-test and post-test was taken before and 30 minutes after the intervention. A follow up post-test was taken one month later. Mean scores of second post-test was 6.7 (2) for control group and 9.5 (0.7) for experimental group. Independent t-test demonstrated a significant difference between groups (P<0.001). Moreover, repeated measured ANOVA revealed a rising trend in learning of both groups, but the progress was more obvious in experimental group (P<0.001). Concept mapping was more effective in educating children with asthma using inhaled therapy than face to face method. Therefore, pediatric nurses and other therapists can employ visual concept mapping in order to increase the effectiveness of their education on spray application of children with asthma.