A research team from the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), Yogyakarta, as part of the Adapting School-Based Asthma Programme: A Multicountry (AdAPT) Study, has conducted school-based asthma risk screening in Yogyakarta as part of efforts to improve the health of school-age children.
Dr. Supriyati, a member of the research team, explained that the screening activity aims to identify students who exhibit asthma symptoms or are at risk of developing asthma. These students subsequently undergo spirometry, or lung function, tests to objectively assess their respiratory condition.
In addition, the researchers conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with children at risk of asthma, parents, teachers, and representatives from the Education Office and the Health Office.
“These FGDs aim to identify local needs, barriers, and potential support for implementing a school-based asthma program, ensuring that the designed intervention aligns with the local context and can be implemented effectively and sustainably,” said Dr. Supriyati on Thursday (Feb. 12).
The intervention program will run for three months, with regular monitoring of students’ asthma. Through this program, it is expected that students, teachers, and parents will gain a better understanding and skills in managing asthma, thereby creating a safer and more supportive school environment for children with asthma.
Before the intervention, screenings were conducted among students from four junior high schools in the Special Region of Yogyakarta: SMP Negeri 6 Yogyakarta, SMP Negeri 7 Yogyakarta, SMP Negeri 12 Yogyakarta, and SMP Negeri 14 Yogyakarta.
The School-Based Asthma Intervention Program, held in the hall of SMP Negeri 6 Yogyakarta, was attended by 30 students identified through the asthma risk screening and 19 accompanying teachers.
During the session, participants received materials on asthma awareness, triggers, prevention, and management. The materials were delivered by pediatrician Dwikisworo Setyowireni, commonly known as Reni, who is also the wife of the Mayor of Yogyakarta, and by Dr. Rina Triasih.
Setyowireni stated that through this outreach activity, participants who have gained a better understanding of asthma and its management can share their knowledge directly or through social media.
“Let us support schoolchildren with asthma so they can remain active and productive,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Triasih emphasized that the school environment must be encouraged to ensure that every child with asthma can continue to participate in normal activities, which requires social support from those around them.
The multicenter study involves several countries and focuses on developing and adapting school-based asthma management programs according to local conditions. In Indonesia, the study is led by Universitas Padjadjaran, in collaboration with FK-KMK UGM, Yogyakarta, and supported by the Yogyakarta City Government.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara Putri
Photographs: FK-KMK UGM