Visual Thematic Analysis of Children's Illustrations to Improve Receptiveness to Pictorial Asthma Action Plans

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackgroundWritten asthma action plans are an important component of asthma self‐management. However, these action plans may be difficult for patients with low health literacy, especially children, to understand. The addition of illustrations to health information can improve comprehension, recall and treatment adherence, which can lead to improved disease management.AimTo discern the perceptions of the somatic symptoms of paediatric patients with chronic asthma and aspects of their asthma management.MethodPaediatric patients with chronic asthma aged 5 to 13 years who were either inpatients or outpatients of a Canadian paediatric hospital were asked to draw 2 pictures relating to how they felt when their asthma was well‐controlled and how they felt during an asthma attack. The illustrations were evaluated using established visual theme categories. Following theme development, study team members individually analysed the pictures.Results104 pictures drawn by 53 paediatric participants were analysed. Well‐controlled asthma was commonly depicted by smiling faces (53%), sunshine (33%) and children playing sports outdoors (25%). During an asthma attack, images of sad expressions (60%), children unable to play or confined (28%), children coughing (22%), and lung pain or tightness (19%) were common.ConclusionPaediatric patients' perceptions of their asthma was highly emotional. To improve comprehension and be effective, illustrations added to health information must be specific to the audience.