Expressive arts therapy with asthmatic children: The effects of an 8-week intervention study


Ozceker D., Adalı B. Y., Aktas S., Tomru D. S., Tamay Z., Güler N.

Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society, vol.65, no.1, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 65 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/ped.15452
  • Journal Name: Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: art therapy, asthma, asthma control
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Management of asthma mainly depends on compliance with long-term therapy. Art therapy, in which children express their experiences through artistic activities, is one of the psychosocial support treatments in chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of expressive art therapy on asthma control and quality of life of asthmatic children. METHODS: A total of 20 children (9 females/11 males), aged 8-13 years, had a group art therapy program consisting of 90 min sessions per week for 8 weeks. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) by spirometry, asthma control tests, and an asthma quality-of-life scale for children, the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ), were performed before and after art therapy. RESULTS: Although a statistically significant increase in PFTs (FEV1, PEF, p = 0.001) and improvement in the items of quality of life (activity limitation, symptoms, p < 0.001) were observed in our patients after art therapy, the increase in asthma control was not significant. CONCLUSION: Expressive art therapy can cause improvement in both pulmonary function tests and quality of life scales in children with asthma. Longer term art therapies planned by an experienced team may also be beneficial in achieving asthma control.