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Dissertation
Evaluation of a problem-solving intervention at a pediatric summer camp: a randomized controlled trial
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Sep 2008
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3019
Abstract
Objective: While there is some evidence to support psychosocial interventions to promote resistance factors for children with chronic illnesses (Christian & D'Auria, 2006; Wysocki et al., 2006), these programs require a great deal of time and expense to execute properly. Pediatric summer camps are emerging as a means to increase social support and improve children's attitudes about their chronic illness (Harbeck-Weber, Fisher, & Dittner, 2003). Due to the high rate of camp attendance, it may be feasible to implement interventions within that setting; however, it has yet to be determined what components of camp are beneficial. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a problem-solving intervention, within a pediatric summer camp setting to address the question of whether the intervention component within summer camp programming is the catalyst for change. Participants in the intervention group were expected to show improvements on asthma knowledge, problem-solving ability, social competence quality of life, and self-competence quality of life. Method: Fifty campers were randomized to a 4-session problem-solving intervention or camp as usual, during a 1-week session of camp for children with persistent asthma. Those randomized to the intervention group participated in PAC-T, a manualized program designed to teach children how to identify problems and solutions, evaluate potential consequences, and role-play solutions. Participants completed paper-and-pencil measures before camp, after camp and at a follow-up assessment point. Parents also completed measures before camp and at the follow-up. Results: Sample values for variables weren't normally distributed. No significant changes between the intervention and control groups were found across time on the dependent variables. For the intervention group, there was a positive relationship between change scores from time 1 to time 2 on Social-Competence and parent asthma Knowledge. Follow-up analyses indicated that all campers, regardless of group, displayed significant improvement on asthma knowledge and problem-solving ability from time 1 to time 3. Conclusions: Irrespective of participation in the problem-solving intervention, campers increased their disease knowledge and problem-solving abilities at a follow-up assessment after camp attendance. However, while intervening at pediatric summer camps may be efficient, it is not necessarily effective due to the high functioning level of participants at baseline. Future studies should consider including a 'no camp' control group to determine the impact of camp attendance on psychosocial functioning.
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Details
- Title
- Evaluation of a problem-solving intervention at a pediatric summer camp
- Creators
- Elizabeth Rose Pulgaron - DU
- Contributors
- Lamia Barakat (Advisor) - DU
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 3019; 991014632432804721