Lived experiences of the children with asthma at school

This qualitative study aims to investigate the lived experiences of children aged 12 to 15 with asthma at school. The study examines the lived experiences, needs, expectations, and coping strategies of children living with asthma from the perspectives of both the children and their mothers. Given that the study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, it also includes the experiences of the children during this period. The study focuses on the health-related quality of life of the children, aiming to observe their unique experiences at school. To gather data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six children and their mothers. The data was analyzed using a thematic approach, resulting in the identification of nine main themes: 1) the meaning of asthma, 2) emotional influences of asthma, 3) limitations in daily life, 4) environmental triggers of asthma, 5) social relationships of children with asthma, 6) the influences of asthma on academic life, 7) coping with asthma as a chronic disease, 8) expectations from the school, and 9) the influence of the pandemic era on children with asthma. The findings highlight that school is a microsystem where children with asthma reside, and their needs in the school environment, where they spend most of their time, can be addressed through appropriate intervention plans. School counseling services play a significant role in providing developmental, preventive, and supportive services for these children. School counselors can also contribute to raising awareness about asthma and serve as a valuable resource. Additionally, it is recommended to conduct more comprehensive studies aimed at empowering children and their mothers, as well as establishing asthma-sensitive school systems.