EFFECTIVENESS OF A SELF-EFFICACY PROGRAM FOR PREVENTING ALLERGIC SYMPTOMS IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN WITH RHINITIS AT SOMDET PHRA SANGHARAJA 19 HOSPITAL

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study one-group pretest–posttest design. The objectives were:(1) to examine the levels of knowledge and preventive behaviors regarding allergic symptoms among school-aged children with allergic rhinitis; (2) to compare the mean knowledge scores before and after participation in the program; and (3) to compare the mean preventive behavior scores before and after participation in the program. The sample consisted of 30 school-aged children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, selected through simple random sampling. The research instruments included a self-efficacy enhancement program for allergy prevention, a demographic data questionnaire, a knowledge assessment questionnaire, and a preventive behavior assessment scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, paired sample t-tests.

The results revealed that after participation in the program, the mean scores of knowledge and preventive behaviors were significantly higher than those before participation (p-value < 0.05).These findings reflect that the self-efficacy enhancement program effectively improved children’s knowledge and facilitated behaviors adjustments to avoid triggers, leading to better control at allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Recommendations: It is recommended to encourage children with allergic rhinitis to participate in structured activities that help reduce symptoms, such as proper nasal irrigation and correct use of intranasal medications. This approach can enhance self-care potential reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, and ultimately improve the quality of life among affected children.