The modification of three vulnerability theories to assist nursing practice for school-age children with severe asthma.

Abstract

Severe asthma is an inflammatory illness associated with adverse health outcomes and behaviors in children, such as decreased quality of life, impaired sleep, and increased medical costs and morbidity. Children with severe asthma frequently exhibit a cycle of health and behaviors which contribute to these adverse health outcomes, consisting of decreased physical activity, increased stress, and increased airway inflammation and asthma exacerbations. School-age children, in particular, are a vulnerable population because they not only rely on others for their care but also suffer from a chronic illness and are at risk for unequal healthcare access and health outcomes. Currently, there is no one nursing theory that adequately addresses the vulnerability, cycle of health and behaviors, and adverse health outcomes of children with severe asthma. By integrating key concepts from three vulnerability theories and presenting a modified conceptual framework, this paper aims to demonstrate how the use of this new conceptual framework may assist nurses in evaluating the unique needs of school-age children with severe asthma to provide best practices and develop appropriate interventions.