The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) program and traditional instruction program on the degree of adult atopic asthmatic subjects' adherence to the treatment program, on home dust mite allergen levels, and on subjects' symptomatology.

A randomized comparison group pretreatment-posttreatment experimental design was used. The study population consisted of 52 adult asthmatic subjects with sensitivity to house dust mites. There were 26 subjects in each group. Two home visits were done, 12 weeks apart. Dust samples were obtained from sofa, bedding, and carpeting by a standardized method. The experimental group reviewed the CAI as additional method of education about house dust mite reduction/avoidance measures and how to implement them in the home.

Data on dependent variables were obtained using two investigator developed instruments to measure adherence, a self-rating scale and an observation checklist. Two standardized instruments, Monoclonal Antibody Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay to measure house dust mite allergen and Asthma Symptom Checklist to assess symptomatology were used. A Demographic Data Questionnaire was employed to collect background data. An Interview Guide obtained information about subjective experiences concerning asthma and treatment. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance tested for significant differences between the groups at.05 level.

Conclusions were: (a) subjects who received CAI demonstrated significantly greater adherence than those who received traditional program; (b) subjects who received CAI demonstrated significantly lower allergen levels in carpet under the mattress; (c) there was no significant difference between subjects who demonstrated greater adherence compared to those who demonstrated lesser adherence on home allergen levels; (d) there was no significant difference between subjects that had lower home allergen levels compared to those that had higher home allergen levels on symptom scores; and (e) there was no significant difference between the groups on symptomatology. Interviews indicated subjects will do reduction/avoidance measures if providers stress importance for reducing symptoms and if spouses are supportive. Cost and time were variables influencing nonadherence.