• A Charles Sturt Masters student is conducting a survey to evaluate the educational materials available for children with thunderstorm asthma and hay fever
• The research aims to promote preventative behaviours and reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations

Thunderstorm asthma season in NSW, typically running from October to December, places a significant portion of the community at heightened risk each year.

A researcher at Charles Sturt University is undertaking a study to help protect one of the most vulnerable groups by assessing thunderstorm asthma education for children aged six to 11.

The research will evaluate the availability and content of educational materials designed for children, with a particular focus on whether they promote practical, preventative behaviours that can reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations.

“I am aiming to improve health literacy by identifying the need for practical, age-appropriate thunderstorm asthma educational resources,” Ms Dayanand said.

“This study is important because it addresses a critical gap in environmental health literacy.

“Climate change is projected to lengthen pollen seasons and increase the frequency and intensity of weather conditions associated with thunderstorm asthma, suggesting that the future risk to regional communities could increase.”

Parents or caregivers of children, aged six to 11 years, who have asthma or hay fever (allergic rhinitis) are encouraged to complete the online survey, accessible online or via the QR code.

The survey responses will be used to understand what educational resources need to recognise periods of increased risk, how to prepare for peak pollen seasons and adopt preventative measures.

The findings could provide evidence to guide the development of practical, child-centred educational resources and contribute to reducing the health burden of thunderstorm asthma in high-risk regions of Australia.

The survey is open until December 2026. Participation is anonymous.

Ms Dayanand’s research is supported by her supervisors in the Charles Sturt School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences Associate Professor Thiru Vanniasinkam, Associate Professor Maree Simpson and Dr Linda Hazell.